The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
1897 / 192 pgs. (57,408 words) Classic/Sci-Fi

Another H.G. Wells classic. A quick read, also a straightforward story. Many details within the narration ensure the reader stays glued.

Griffin is a gifted physicist who has a passion for the study of refraction. He feels he can make anything invisible. Griffin experiments on objects around his room at first, believing it is possible to make a human invisible. He first tests on a cat. He tries it on himself when this experiment is successful, turning invisible. The horror of his results appears not after the experiment is complete. The results are not instantaneous, it is when he answers a knock on his door, and the inquiring individual on the other side runs away in fear.

The invisible man works without an aid because of Griffin’s conniving professor, who steals results and publishes them under his name. Griffin, also paranoid of people being able to replicate his work, does not leave any trace of his experiment. The other challenge that produces itself after he burns down his apartment is the world outside. The paranoia of people dealing with an invisible man creates vast challenges for Griffin to do simple things like eat and stay warm.

The story starts with the Invisible Man, wrapped from head to toe, renting a room with his boxes of tubes with various liquids trying to reverse the invisibility. The property owners look on suspiciously as the man does not interact with people and eats alone while working in his room.

This was a simple read. The novel could be finished in just one day if one sits down and enjoys it. There is not too much of a twist; however, the start does bring just enough curiosity to see how the narration would go. It would not be the first H.G. Wells novel I would recommend; it is still a good read.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka