As a book geek, followers of the blog know that I am constantly reading. Most bibliophiles are like me in that regard, but when autumn begins, I create a list of horror novels I intend to tackle for October. (I also write a list of movies I intend to watch available on Tubi, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.) This year, I set a goal to read twenty horror books for October 2024.
In Reading Sanctum, I will give you highlights of that list, but today I look at my #1 book, The Invisible Man written by Herbert George Wells, otherwise known as H.G. Wells. Wells had the novel published in 1897. For me, this is a re-read from way back when I was younger, but it is noteworthy that the book reminded me of the movie except for the love story aspect on film. In fact, the story beats are very similar. Clearly, James Whale must have been a fan of the novel.
It is widely suggested that this third novel (along with The Time Machine and The Island of Dr. Moreau) is the reason why Wells is considered (by some) the Father of Science Fiction. I can see their argument. The tale is memorable, and I know this because I remember that I read this a long time ago during my middle school years.
Jack Griffin arrived at the town of Iping during a snowstorm hidden behind a wide-brimmed hat, the up-turned collar of a thick winter coat, scarf, gloves, his face further concealed by bandages and a pink, prosthetic nose. Add to that a caustic attitude, and suspicious behavior, and you will realize that the man has good reason to be annoyed by the owners of the inn.
He clearly states he wants to be left alone to perform his experimentations and scientific endeavors. However, Mrs. Hall the inn owner, is a busybody that demonstrates concern that the experimentations are causing damage to the lodgings, which they are. Griffin offers to pay for the destruction, but when Mrs. Hall asks him to leave, Griffin becomes so irate that he reveals his invisible self to her. Villagers arrive to inquire about her screams and find that Griffin is attempting to harm one of their number. They attempt to capture him to no avail.
The book then becomes an attempt to capture the invisible man. Although the novel is very action oriented, there are plenty of opportunities for exposition. For example, Griffin enumerates the many ingredients to his formula and communicates that one of the chemicals that he has been ingesting is strychnine, which seems to explain his uncooperative temper and behavior. He has been poisoning himself.
I loved this book and am very excited to include this novel as my first of twenty horror books for my All Hallows Month goal. My only regret is that Una O’Connor was not part of the soundtrack in my book because in the movie, she absolutely chews up the scenery.
As for rating this classic novel, I gave it 5 perfect stars on Good Reads, and give it 5 perfect Grey Geeks on the Mustache and the Beard. I finished it last night, and had some Halloween fun. You should, too. I think that’s it for me. As always, I thank you for checking out the post. The Mustache and the Beard are grateful. Stay safe. Take it easy. See you later. And Peace!
The Mustache and The Beard 