The Invisible Man
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4.0 • 502 Ratings
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Publisher Description
An Apple Books Classic edition.
“Alone-it is wonderful how little a man can do alone! To rob a little, to hurt a little, and there is the end.” What would you do if you were became invisible? Would you use that power for good, or would you become consumed with the freedom it afforded you? Griffin, the antihero of H.G. Wells’ classic novel, definitely belongs to the latter school of thought. A misunderstood genius with albinism, Griffin has suffered taunts and isolation his whole life. As he descends into madness, his plans become far darker than simple revenge on those who have wronged him.
In addition to this creepy novel, H.G. Wells-who is widely seen as the father of science fiction-also wrote The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and The Island of Doctor Moreau;. Besides killer plots, his work provides chilling insight on human nature. The Invisible Manis a story about cruelty, curiosity, and unfettered power. Read it-and you’ll immediately notice its inescapable influence on modern literature, movies, and comic books.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Spoiler alert: H. G. Wells’ science fiction classic really is about an invisible man. Written in 1897 as scientific progress and new inventions were revolutionizing the world, Wells’ novel still carries a palpable sense of wonder, amazement, and fear. We jump into the story feet-first from the opening page: The mysterious scientist Griffin is already invisible when we meet him and his horrifying backstory isn’t revealed until we’re almost halfway through his terrifying descent into insanity. Much more so than Mary Shelley’s earlier mad-scientist classic, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man feels modern and contemporary. Wells’ fundamental point—that technological progress inevitably comes with dangerous unintended consequences—is still something we’re grappling with well over a century later. We suspect this novel will forever feel unnerving and timely.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Actor Griffin adds to the mysterious atmosphere of this classic work of science fiction originally published in 1897. In his cultured British accent, he carries listeners through the trials and tribulations of Wells's creation, a mad scientist (also named Griffin) who does research into optical refraction until he finds a formula that makes him invisible a state he mistakenly believes will provide him with fame and fortune. Actor Griffin makes palpable the profound panic of the scientist, who is unable to find a formula to reverse his invisibility. He provides fine cockney accents for innkeepers Jenny and George Hall, which adds color and authenticity to the performance. Listeners will be immersed in the struggle of local scientists, doctors, and police to apprehend a man they cannot see.
Customer Reviews
Entertaining enough
Entertaining enough. Author with very good imagination.
Clearly a classic!
The Invisible Man may be the original “scientist gone mad” story… certainly an inspiration for characters like Marvels Doctor Octopus and Green Goblin…
Wells’ story romps along at pace, telling the tale of a bandaged stranger driven mad by his desires for scientific glory, a “cure” for his affliction and finally for revenge.
Whilst tame by modern standards, genuine horror, desperation and despair leap off every page in this morality tale.
Be careful what you wish for.
Superb!
What a wonderful story: told with perfect pace, great descriptions of that time and place, excellent characterisation.
It’s been awhile since I’ve found a tale to be truly un-put-down-able but this definitely fits into that category.
The protagonist is monstrous but you can’t help but pity him.
H.G.Wells was truly a master of story-telling!