"The Invisible Man" by H.G. Wells

This book is really an interesting take on invisibility for having been written in 1897. Sure, most of the science is out there, but something makes you want to believe this is a possibility, even if the probability of this version of invisibility working is slim to none.

As you can see on the cover, the Invisible Man isn't entirely invisible- he becomes visible with clothes, and during certain other circumstances that are relevant to the book's plot.

The Plot:
Griffin is an albino and science student who has discovered the secret of invisibility. The problem? No one can believe they're not hallucinating him, or are so scared they can barely comprehend he was ever a man just like them. Will Griffin be able to share his achievement, or will he succumb to the temptations of his newfound powers?

What really makes this book is the novelty of the idea: if you were invisible, what would you do? Would you tire of the loneliness that comes with invisibility? How tempting would it be to use your powers for your own benefit?

Although I've never read Frankenstein, this book reminds me of the plot I've seen portrayed in the movie versions of it, mostly because it is good intentions gone bad, or science gone awry. Griffin tries his best to live like any other man, but once he went invisible that became more difficult. It becomes clear as the novel progresses that invisibility is truly an inner morals issue, because who can police you if they can't see you?

The Invisible Man is an easily readable classic, despite being over a hundred years old. But besides the novelty of invisibility, there really isn't a lot to the plot, and the characters don't stand out much. If you're looking for a quick classic to read and find the idea of invisibility fascinating, I recommend The Invisible Man.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great classic, if you like the novelties of invisibility.

Content: Ages 14+ for violence.

Page Count: 214 pages in my large print paperback edition.