Book Review: The Invisible Man

H.G. Wells' The Invisible Man excited me. The title instantly gives the story away. It is about an invisible man. But what burdens does this man carry when his mental health begins to leave him?

The theme is hidden even if it seems obvious. Yes, it is about this invisible man. But what is the deep underlying theme to it, the meaning? Perhaps it's man lust for wanting to be known, to be noticed by society as a normal person. TIM, the invisible man for short, is the main character. He is seen as a gentleman and a scientist. He wears clothes so people think he is visible but gives the impression of a scarred, disfigured man since he wears bandages on his face and never removes his clothing. He wants people to know he's there. Mr. Marvel, a minor character toward the middle, is a sort of hermit and is very average. But it changes when TIM decides to use him for his own gain. Though Mr. Marvel wants people to know that this invisible man is holding him hostage, another wish to be noticed. Kemp, a professor, lives a boring, mundane life. Everything is always average until TIM begs him for help. Now he wants to be apart of a bigger picture.

A book that it reminds me of is, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Because both of these men are met with ill fortune by their experiments. As for current events, I can think of nothing. But it did get to me on a personal level. TIM just wishes to be normal and noticed.

I feel like I can believe in these characters, because they act the way I'd expect them to if they met an invisible man. But I did very much enjoy the characters. They made the story very enjoyable. TIM acts like a gentleman but if angered he gets very destructive and temperamental. Though he does it in a gentleman fashion with cool wit. Mr. Marvel is a sniveling coward who is terrified by TIM, but does as he says. But I like him because his cowardly humor is funny when TIM is around to make fun of it. Lastly, Kemp thinks he's crazy because he's helping TIM. So he argues with himself.

I have to say I loved this book. It's underlying was very funny, if caught. But it is for the older generations who understand Old English, so they may better enjoy it. Either way, this was a great read!

Pages: 200