Invisible Man

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Summary: A Book to be Enjoyed ----------------> Again and Again!
Review:
Dense with powerful symbolism and dancing with artfully subtle language, Invisible Man stands as one of the greatest works of American literature ever. Moving and evocative, but with great dignity and candor, it reveals to the each reader the perpetual search that waits within each of us. While it's not a roadmap to inner truth, it's a damn good start towards self-awareness... Other recent great Amazon Purchases: The Basketball Diaries by Carroll, The Losers' Club by Richard Perez


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Summary: Suggestions for the first and not so first reader
Review: I read this book several times in undergraduate and graduate school and it never failed to promote new concepts and a feeling of intellectual and emotional euphoria--a connection with something beyond description, so full of what it is to be a human being that it even transcends the critical racial issues that are the mainstay of the book. Ellison's book could well be the greatest book to come out of the United States and perhaps the world. The true genius of the book and its author are there for the thoughtful reader to enjoy again and again. One suggestion for a beginning reader, however: consider Reaping the Whirlwind by R.J. Norell as a historical companion piece to this book. The two should be studied together in any literature or history class. As a long-ago resident of Alabama, I can guarantee the non-southern reader (especially) a new and improved connection with the beginning of Ellison's novel. Studying historical Tuskegee, AL in combination with Ellison's college with its confoundingly servile leader and puzzling statue (etc) will give even an experienced professor of literature (as one of mine was) a new root and perspective in comprehending Ellison.

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Summary: Long, but worth it
Review: This was one of the longest books I ever read. However, unlike many classics, this book was worth the read. Classics I have read are usually overrated bore-fests without a plot or conflict to engage the reader, but this book was interesting. Even exciting. The haunting symbolism and wonderful command of diction in this book is astounding. Even recreational readers can enjoy this classic.

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Summary: FIFTY years later -and Invisible Man is still going strong
Review: A classic never tires the imagination, generation after generation. Invisible Man is cleary a classic. When I first read it, I was engrossed by the depth of psychological insight built into the writing style. It was as if the writer, through his 'narrator', delved into his own deepest hurts and fears, caused by an unjust society and a socially naive protagonist. The 'invisible' man only wanted justice and acceptance in a world that would not accept him and in his quest, he almost lost himself in his internal wonderings. Fyodor Doestoevsky wrote Crime and Punishment as if the whole plot took place inside the head of his agonized protagonist--there is a powerful resemblance between Ellison's and Doestoevsky's style. It takes a master author to narrate subjective thoughts into art, Ellison was indeed one of the great writers of our day.

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Summary: Out of sight, out of mind
Review: In his only novel, Ralph Ellison gives the reader an interesting but harsh look into the racial issues faced by African-Americans during times of segregation.
The nameless protagonist begins adulthood full of hope, but he soon faces many setbacks. After an accident involving a prominent white man, he is expelled from his southern college, losing both his scholarship and the respect he once felt for the school's black president. He moves to New York, hoping to find work, but he is less than successful. The Brotherhood, an organization dedicated to preaching equality, hires him, and he becomes a spokesperson for their Harlem section, putting his gift of public speaking to use. He eventually discovers that this association has ulterior motives, and he plans to sabotage it. His efforts are interrupted, however, when an enemy of the Brotherhood launches a fierce attack on the group.
Using a sometimes satirical viewpoint, this novel offers a clear and attention-grabbing perspective of this issue, giving the reader a better understanding than one gets from textbook accounts. It goes beyond the facts and shows how the effects of oppression and segregation are dealt with-in this case, by recognizing the ignorant blindness of society and becoming "invisible," for all intensive purposes.
The vivid symbols and fast-paced plot keep the reader engaged, although it becomes confusing at times with so much happening. Overall, this is a wonderful novel, both in entertainment and educational value, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to open his or her mind and enjoy a well-written book.

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Summary: A different perspective
Review: I don't know which was morer captivating to me: Ellison's writing style or Ellison's message. Obviously a must read for today's generation to understand not only the struggles, but the resulting feelings and perceptions of race at that time. Ellison presents it with such a powerful demonstration of words that you can experience his trials and tribulations. Great read!