I had postponed reading this book for many years, being intimidated by both its considerable length and its rather venomous reputation.

However, when I finally took the plunge and delved into it, I discovered that while there was indeed a great deal of venom, there was also a significant amount of anti-venom.

Lurking beneath all the nihilism present in the title and especially during the author's college years, I sensed a hidden (perhaps even invisible?) optimism and a dark humor.

In the United States shortly after the Obama era, we have seemingly made progress on the surface in the fight for equality. Yet, Ferguson occurred, Trump's presidency is unfolding, and racism persists.

Rather than the bodies hanging from trees as in the past described in The Invisible Man, we are still in the midst of car burnings and riots, much like the "present" depicted in the book, and have not truly moved forward.

This book compelled me to once again question my own feelings regarding racism and to challenge my preconceived notions.

It remains a text that is both vibrant and highly relevant. I would suggest following this with Roth's The Human Stain, which is another incredibly well-written novel about how Coleman Silk attempts to become invisible.

If only the US would truly examine the deeper causes of racism, perhaps it could prevent another disaster similar to that of the current election cycle, and I would not desire to be invisible myself.

**You Will Hit a Stride in Reading this Classic in Time to Ellison's Forceful Drumbeat**

This classic novel has the power to stir the soul, much like the boom-boom, rat-a-tat-tat of drummers in a huge, swaggering marching band.

As Ralph Ellison meticulously plotted "INVISIBLE MAN", he successfully styled this classic in many ways similar to how a virtuoso would handle a jazz improvisation. He conjured fertile imagery through lush and metrical prose. The story centers around an unnamed narrator, the Invisible Man. He is expelled from an African-American university in the American South and then goes to New York City, where he is recruited by the lily-white Communist "brotherhood" that uses him like a whore.

Some readers might think this superb novel is primarily about African Americans and their issues with American Marxists. While that is part of it, I believe it is much more. It is a clarion call to the educated, disillusioned, and disenfranchised, both young and old. The narrator's words, "Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you?" and "there are few things in the world as dangerous as sleepwalkers", urge them to follow their own drum and walk away from the flock.

The essence of the book is captured by a couple of passages. The narrator asks, "What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?" and later says, "I was pulled this way and that for longer than I can remember. And my problem was that I always tried to go in everyone's way but my own. I have also been called one thing and then another while no one really wished to hear what I called myself. So after years of trying to adopt the opinions of others I finally rebelled. I am an invisible man."

"INVISIBLE MAN", the 1953 National Book Award winner, remains a provocative and tense classic, just as relevant in 2017 as it was 64 years ago.

**"I Would Have Taken Up Residence Underground"**

Published in 1952 and the winner of the Man Booker Prize, this text has a circular structure where the end is the beginning. It is considered one of the most important for American and African American literature and has been the source of significant studies and appreciations in the narration of the drama of African Americans.

Avrei preso residenza sottoterra

The narrator speaks of living for years knowing something is wrong and then suddenly realizing one is as transparent as air. At first, one might think it's all a lurid joke or due to the "political situation." But deep down, one comes to suspect oneself as the culprit, standing naked and trembling before the millions of eyes that look through without seeing. This is the true illness of the soul, the lance in the side, the pull by the neck through the city full of enraged debris, the Great Inquisition, the embrace of the guillotine.

Saul Bellow's words about this work are precious: a superb, tragicomic, poetic novel, written with great creative force and intense intelligence, telling the awareness of the individual who saves thanks to the experience of a dark joy, an instinctive elegance, the desires, dreams, and thoughts that are our own, contained within the souls of each human being. Ellison's humanity is threatened, but his protagonist returns to himself and accepts who he is. Descended from slaves, Ellison grew up fatherless and in poverty, with his mother working as a humble governess. He loved jazz and the blues, and in his formation, along with T.S. Eliot, Langston Hughes, and Richard Wright, they were decisive. In Ellison's vision, there is no division between art and protest, neither in biography nor in invention; the claims of responsibility meet the needs of redemption. So the principles are claimed in a universal and current sense, invalidating arbitrary oppression and interacting for the realization of a multiple and concrete equality.

“Io ero eppure ero invisibile.” This statement sums up the protagonist's experience of invisibility in a world that fails to see and understand him.

A brilliant work of Black existentialism,

“Invisible Man” is a novel that delves deep into the African American experience. The only reason why I wasn’t entirely in love with this novel is because I found myself a bit put off by the plot sometimes. At times, it seemed to meander and lose its focus. And even more so, I felt a certain disinterest towards other characters. They didn’t always come alive for me in the way I would have liked. However, what kept me going though was the engaging voice of the narrator. His story was so captivating that I couldn’t help but be drawn in. And Ellison’s unique writing style was also a major factor. His use of language and imagery was truly masterful. It is a novel that truly captures the heart of American literature, exploring themes of race, identity, and the search for meaning in a complex and often unjust society. Lovely narration by Joe Morton added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story.

When I delved into Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, two opposing emotions tugged at my heartstrings. On one hand, as a white individual, I was acutely aware that I could never fully fathom the profound sense of invisibility experienced by black people in America, especially during the 1930s - 50s. This was a time of deep-seated racial inequality and discrimination.

On the other hand, Ellison's brutally honest portrayal and unwavering prose made it impossible for me not to attempt to truly understand. In considering what to pen in this review, my legal background steered my attention towards the case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954). As most Americans learned in high school, this landmark case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court recognized that the "separate but equal" doctrine in Plessy, which had provided a shield for discriminatory practices and segregation against the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, was a blatant falsehood that needed to be cast aside. But what does this have to do with Ellison's great novel? Let me elucidate.

In preparation for challenging the Plessy ruling, Kenneth and Mamie Clark conducted a famous psychological experiment. They presented black children with identical dolls, differing only in skin color. Both male and female children were involved, and when asked which doll they preferred, the majority chose the white doll, deeming it "nicer". This experiment exposed the devastating impact of segregation on the self-esteem of African American children and led the researchers to conclude that "separate but equal" was inherently unequal. The doll test served as a crucial evidentiary element in persuading the Court to overrule Plessy.

Turning to Ellison's Invisible Man, the terrible consequences of discrimination make those who are the unfortunate targets of such bigotry feel that their very souls are invisible to those who refuse to see them for who they truly are. Many people struggle to deal with "otherness" and often turn away, hardening their hearts in the process. Once hearts are hardened, atrocities become possible. Ellison shows us that both the perpetrators and victims of discrimination have their hearts hardened to an equal extent, resulting in callousness and cruelty on both sides. It's a lose-lose situation.

The narrator, significantly unnamed, does not shy away from revealing not only the heinous bigotry of white people but also the seedy underbelly of black life with all its own brutality and violence. He does this not to condemn his fellow sufferers but to make them visible, just as he becomes visible to white people by reflecting back their own racist injustices. Today, we are all aware that there are many groups that remain invisible, and their invisibility serves as a reminder that the human tendency to destroy otherness persists. Ellison eloquently reminds us of the tragedy that stems from our willful blindness.

The writing in Invisible Man is truly hypnotic, and the sense of dread is all-pervasive.

Every time I take a seat to read a little more, I find myself being drawn into the prose, despite the fact that it makes me profoundly uneasy and fills me with worry about what lies ahead.

It is stark, yet poetic. It is difficult, but also rewarding.

Note: The remainder of this review has been removed due to the recent alterations in Goodreads' policy and enforcement. You can discover the reasons behind my decision here.

In the meantime, you have the option to peruse the entire review at Smorgasbook.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning Invisible Man is an expansive and captivating narrative. It follows an unnamed character, who is also the narrator, through the earlier stages of his life.

As a coming-of-age novel, its protagonist experiences more profound changes than those in most books of this genre that I've read. In a relatively short period, during his early twenties, the lead character navigates the ups and downs of both rural and urban life in 1950s America. The term "sweeping" is indeed an apt descriptor for this novel. What's more, it manages to be sweeping without sacrificing tension, which is no easy feat.

Ellison's narrative composition and prose style are highly innovative, especially considering the time - 1952. He deftly switches tenses, appears to move fluidly between an omniscient and a closely held third-person point of view, and even alters the tense for the prologue and epilogue. The cadence of his prose varies, sometimes soft and eloquent, at other times hard and cutting, and at still other times taking on an oratorical tone.

The story provides us with a deep understanding of the main character's personality and the changes he undergoes. It also takes us on a tour of several different aspects of 1950s society and culture.

However, one drawback is that none of the secondary characters remain throughout the entire novel. This left me longing to see how the protagonist's changes would be juxtaposed against the characters from earlier parts of the story. I couldn't help but wonder, how would the protagonist respond to his college leader now that he has changed? What would he say to that person?

Secondary characters typically serve two important purposes: first, to drive change in the main character, and second, to measure the change in the primary character. When they enter the novel, cause change, and then depart, we are unable to gauge the character's growth in relation to them. This is the main aspect that I felt was lacking in the unique structure of Invisible Man compared to other more traditional coming-of-age novels.

Symbolism is a powerful literary device that allows writers to convey deeper meanings and emotions without relying solely on a traditional narrative. It adds layers of complexity and richness to a piece of writing, inviting readers to explore and interpret the hidden messages within.

Symbolism can take many forms, such as objects, colors, or actions. For example, a red rose might symbolize love and passion, while a black raven could represent death and mystery. By using these symbols, writers can create a more profound and evocative experience for their readers.

Without a story, however, symbolism can sometimes be difficult to understand or appreciate. It requires the reader to be more attuned to the subtleties of language and imagery, and to use their imagination to fill in the gaps.

In conclusion, while symbolism is a valuable tool for writers, it is important to remember that it should work in conjunction with a strong narrative to create a truly engaging and memorable piece of writing.

Well......I can't say I enjoyed this novel, but I don't think I was supposed to. It's more of a send a message to the reader type classic.

First published in 1953, an unnamed narrator and INVISIBLE MAN tells his life stories of fear, or maybe uncertainty is a better word of his place in the world. As a young and very naive black student, he proceeds through his tumultuous life while constantly haunted by his grandfather's dying words. The story unfolds, revealing the harsh realities and challenges he faces.

The beginning chapters share how (OMG!) he was treated in a Harlem basement just prior to being awarded a "scholarship to a state college for Negroes" for his important and memorable high school speech. But what was truly memorable for me was how he managed to redeliver the speech in the horrific condition he was in at the time. It shows his determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Our protagonist is a young man who tries to do everything according to the rules, but disaster always seems to follow him around, causing chaos and big trouble. Believe me when I say this dude cannot get a break. He can't even dispose of trash without being hassled. He just goes on and on from one catastrophe to another, and all he wants is an education....a job...to be relevant...and to be visible. His struggles are a reflection of the larger social issues of the time.

Filled with treachery, dirty tricks and acts of betrayal, INVISIBLE MAN is a memorable and insightful must read especially as we look at our society today. It makes us think about the themes of identity, race, and power.

1953 National Book Award winner, this novel has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant and thought-provoking.

Υπέροχο! This simple Greek word expresses a sense of wonder and delight. It can be used to describe a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or a wonderful experience.

When we encounter something that is υπέροχο, it has the power to make us stop and take notice. It can bring a smile to our faces and a warmth to our hearts.

Whether it's a small moment of beauty or a life-changing event, the feeling of υπέροχο is something that we all strive for. It reminds us that there is still magic and beauty in the world, waiting to be discovered.

So, the next time you experience something that is truly υπέροχο, take a moment to savor it and let it fill you with joy.

**Notes on 2nd Reading**

1. I had completely forgotten what a powerful indictment of Tuskegee Institute the novel truly is! It vividly reminds me of the intense conflict between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Du Bois regarding the means by which black men and women should strive to advance themselves in a predominantly racist society. Washington advocated for a more subservient approach, which Du Bois found deeply demeaning. For a comprehensive and excellent account, one can refer to Philip Dray's "At the Hands of Persons Unknown", which is itself a captivating history of lynching. To understand Du Bois's perspective, his essay "On Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others" in "The Souls of Black Folk" is a must-read.

2. Ellison demonstrates remarkable skill in maintaining the mood through his nameless first-person narrator. His writing has moments of intoxicating sonority that draw the reader in. However, the backstory before the narrator's expulsion from the southern black college can feel a bit拖沓, but fortunately, this will soon come to an end.

3. The incest scene, specifically Jim Trueblood's story, has not aged well. It is far too long and creepy, reminiscent of some of the more disturbing passages from Philip Roth's "Sabbath's Theater."

4. Similarly, the Golden Day scene is also overly long, and the pace seems almost Victorian. I constantly have to remind myself that this book was published in 1952. In today's literary fiction, the pacing is generally much snappier.

You should read this. You really should. It was an eye-opening experience, full of challenges, insights, and even moments of being unsettling.

It made me think deeply, conduct research, and engage in discussions. It made me wish I had a teacher and a classroom full of students to help me navigate through it. The book was refreshingly honest, bold, and eloquent.

I struggled with this rating as my experience of reading this book was difficult and laborious. I believe some context about the work would have been beneficial in helping me engage with it. When I started, I wasn't sure what I was getting into, only knowing that it was on the list of the top 100 greatest American novels of all time. I spent the first half of the novel trying to understand what the author was attempting to do. Reading the book without the anchor of historical importance, literary context, etc., was jarring and confusing. However, by the last quarter, I was fascinated and moved. But up until that point, I often found myself lost and dreading opening the book.

For books of this type, those with cultural importance, deep symbolism, and a strong message, I find it helpful to have some preparation before reading. My experience of this book was skewed because I went in expecting a good story but instead found one that was heavily symbolic at every turn. It took me a while to shift my focus from the plausibility or likability of the story and characters to the message the book was trying to convey. I wonder if my experience would have been better if I had known what I was reading. The plot was merely a framework for the ideas, secondary in importance. I made a big mistake by skipping the introduction.

I often avoid reading the back of books, reviews, or even the introduction beforehand as they might give away the story. However, in this case, I did myself a great disservice by skipping all that. If I were to be very responsible, I would start again from page one and reread this book with the knowledge I now have. But it's 600 pages long, and I have a to-read list that seems a mile long. I want to say that I will attempt to read this book again in the future, armed with what I know now, but I can't make a promise.

In the meantime, I plan to read introductions more often. This book not only taught me and challenged me on issues such as race relations, questions of identity, and problems with ideology but also challenged my understanding of what it means to be a good reader. I read this book incorrectly and almost wasted it.