My final February read to review, this short novel by H.G Wells was an interesting look at that famous childhood wish: to be invisible. It’s published in 1897.
The narrator’s angry and confrontational manner causes a stir in a Sussex inn, and his body wrapped in bandages, big hat, goggles, and overall strange appearance add to his mystique. Slowly, they begin to realise his invisibility, and a terrible fracas ensues. On the run, the man recruits people to commit crimes, and we get to hear his version of events in a hideout with an ally (or so he thinks). It’s part adventure story, part confessional.
There are some great moments of suspense here, though the humour is a little overdone for me. The psychological impact of invisibility is lightly explored, and I enjoy the slow realisation of all the problems with invisibility. There are some funny moments as he grapples with London, trying to stay out of trouble: sheltering in a department store, clashing with young boys on the street, avoiding carriages…
Reading it, it’s hard to fully understand the narrator’s motives, but you do get an insight into the “arrogant man of science” operating alone, obsessed with an idea at all cost.
It’s nice to read some science fiction for a change, and H.G Wells is a really interesting character and author too! I enjoyed his The Island of Doctor Moreau, and reading this has reminded me to pick up some of his other work. I think my grandfather told me that Wells was the first author he ever remembers reading!
One word: chaotic.
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