This month the book club discussed the classic novel Invisible Man written by master scribe Ralph Ellison. Published in 1952, this story follows a young man who discovers truth about bigotry in America and how it affects the minds of both the victims and the perpetrators. The protagonist is nameless which further emphasizes his feeling of invisibility in society. He drifts from one circumstance to the next hoping to be seen acknowledged and respected.
The average rating for this novel was 4.1 out of 5. Book club members said that this was one of the most detailed and descriptive writing styles that they have ever read. The first 150 pages had no dialogue. A few found the read very challenging. One member remarked that he had to read the book in complete silence otherwise his mind would drift while reading. Another found it tedious trying to follow the narrators voice.
Members liked the fact that the main character had no name because it reinforced the idea that he might have never existed. A member figured that the main character could represent a group so in essence u could insert any name. Other members noted that he lived parallel lives and took on a new identity depending on the situation he was in or the people he was with. Often times while amongst a group of people he would not be seen or regarded. Then the times when he was identified it was only to be manipulated by others.
Members were impressed at the use of speeches/soliloquies throughout the novel. The main character made a number of speeches; the preacher and professor characters all made powerful sermons, which revealed the statements, which Ellison was making.
Ellison made comments about blacks and whites working together. According to book club members the main character looked up to white people: he depended on them and was suspicious of black people. This showed a lack of self-knowledge or awareness prevalent amongst the black community today. This lack of self-worth is one of the reasons that our people remain invisible in so many areas of this life. Although this novel is a work of fiction, the book club members said that in their opinion this was real life.
The book club said that this was a great read. Difficult at times but definitely one to put on your must read list.
