Reviews

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

kimvanness's review against another edition

5.0

My favorite modern American novel. You may already have read, or been required to read, an excerpt from this book, usually titled "Battle Royale." I strongly urge you to read the rest of the work. Brilliant.

greesman's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

abbydavis's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

hbbw's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I really liked this book and I think I’d like it more if I hadn’t read it for school. I’ll definitely have to read it again, some parts were confusing and generally I think theres benefit to reading the book a second time after reading the ending. The only thing is out of no where theres some sexism and this one line which was crazy and baffling but besides that it’s really amazing.

swan_sama's review against another edition

challenging slow-paced

2.0

This was a drag to get through. A lot of good points overshadowed by length

kdtoverbooked's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I understand how this is a classic American fiction novel and I’m glad that he wrote it for so many people because I am sure it was a revolutionary book at its time. With all we know now, it felt a bit redundant to me. However, I always find it illuminating to put myself in the shoes of someone who has such a vastly different life from myself. 

peebee's review against another edition

5.0

Awesome book, made better by the sub-literate highlighting covering every page. Like 85% of the book was highlit, which defeats the purpose somewhat.

My favorite?

"That's all young man." his tone abrupt, official. "You have two days in which to close your affairs."
"Two days?"
"Two days!" he said.

Highlit, and bracketed, with an arrow to the bracket with the phrase "out in 2 days". That must've been a long slow read, whoever it was.

alinawlkr's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I was looking for thought provoking books and I saw someone online say that this book changed them. I decided to read it and though I’ve been finished for 4 months it’s haunted me ever since, I have all intent to reread it. Our main character is unnamed & we follow his life from high school in the Deep South to early adulthood in New York City (1930sish). The metaphorical tug of war between identity & invisibility is present throughout the novel & I find it relatable to all. My area of study & interest is the mental/emotional development of the African American male post emancipation & this novel was spot on for that topic. As a black woman, I was able to relate to many of the experiences & questions that the novel begs of not only the main character but also of the reader. 10/10 recommend.

coachz's review against another edition

absolutely singular

dnandrews797's review against another edition

3.0

First book of the year! And certainly one that I feel is poignant for the times we live in. This book seemed to drag on in parts but the poetic language the author uses pints vivid pictures in the meantime to set the scene of what’s going on. Somehow both funny and tragic, Invisible Man highlights the divide between how society “should work” and how it “actually works” especially if you’re some kind of minority.
Even though I’m not black. I could see some of my own experience mirrored in the protagonists struggle for meaning and eventual disillusionment when the forces that are supposed to provide guidance and support are working against you all along.
Several moments in the book, particularly the protagonist’s monologues and public speeches, were incredibly stirring and helped structure the book and breath life into it.
A wonderful, life changing read I would recommend to anyone.