Invisible Man

A Novel

By: Ralph Ellison

Narrated by: Joe Morton

Length: 18 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time

Ralph Elllison's Invisible Man is a monumental novel, one that can well be called an epic of modern American Negro life. It is a strange story, in which many extraordinary things happen, some of them shocking and brutal, some of them pitiful and touching—yet always with elements of comedy and irony and burlesque that appear in unexpected places. It is a book that has a great deal to say and which is destined to have a great deal said about it.

After a brief prologue, the story begins with a terrifying experience of the hero's high school days, moves quickly to the campus of a Southern Negro college and then to New York's Harlem, where most of the action takes place. The many people that the hero meets in the course of his wanderings are remarkably various, complex and significant. With them he becomes involved in an amazing series of adventures, in which he is sometimes befriended but more often deceived and betrayed—as much by himself and his own illusions as by the duplicity of the blindness of others.

Invisible Man is not only a great triumph of storytelling and characterization; it is a profound and uncompromising interpretation of the Negro's anomalous position in American society.

©1952 Ralph Ellison (P)2010 Random House

Brillance after a questionable beginning

I was ready to stop listening to this book after the first 5 minutes - it seemed to be no more than the ravings of a madman. But something told me to give it a chance and soldier on. I am so happy that I did.
This is a wonderful novel that explores issues that are as relevant today as they were in 1947 when this novel was written.

writing and delivery were perfect

A most wonderful writing and the story taller nailed the voices as if you knew the people instantly. Super great find.

Perfection

Perfect story, perfect narration, worthy of multiple readings throughout life. It's obviously a long read for a first person narrative that would be my only complaint I guess.

This book was tremendously outstanding!

This book is being offered for free to members of Audible.com whether you have a subscription or not. Take the opportunity to download thew app and listen to the dynamic narrative delivered by the actor Joe Morton (Olivia Pope's father). This will have you run a gambit of emotions to include laughter, sadness, embarrassment etc. Don't miss out on this meaningful experience.

Literary GENIUS coupled with BEST narration EVER!

I am floored at this amazingly intimate portrait of the inner thoughts of this black man, every black man, every black woman... And really if you're honest, even you--whatever your ethnicity or gender--can relate to this feeling of forced invisibility, what we all rebel against many times over. We usually call it conformity. We all want to be known and seen for our unique gifts and individual contributions. This book, while it speaks from the perspective of a black man's experience in the U.S., has an Every Man quality to it that begs for a reading from people across cultures. Many times we miss the wealth of humanity because we think something written from one perspective or another is not for us. I argue that this book is for you. Very well written. Very well narrated. You will need the hard copy of this piece as well to mark up for later, deeper thought. You may also find an urge to express any inexpressible observations or emotions you've been stifling throughout your life, so get your journal out as there are many journaling prompts therein. There is also a jazz-like poetry to this book that I just couldn't get enough of. Bottom line: I thoroughly enjoyed this work of art.

Did not expect such satisfaction

I chose this novel out of sense of duty -- kind of like visiting that local landmark when traveling to someplace for other business -- because it is an old "classic" and something so many are familiar with. What a surprise then to find such a gift of meaning -- so relevant today, as it must have been in 1952, that it makes me feel as if time has stood still. No matter who you are, what race or station you have been assigned, I suspect there is truth for you and for us all here -- beautifully told -- and on reaching the end I trust you will find the satisfaction I have. Invisible Man is a complete story - but a thoughtfully incomplete moral. Here is precision in events -- but ambiguity in judgment. Personal, universal, relatable. Highly recommended.

I finished! success!!!!

it was a beautiful book. an epic story. I really loved it. very poetic and u believe timely for us in today... again. it's a shame but true.
anyhow, the best part is the narration, for sure. Joe Morton was awesome.

One of the best audiobooks ever

I simply loved this audiobook of Invisible Man. The production values were obviously high and the narrator is one of the best I have ever heard. This book has always daunted me before but I actually looked forward to my long commute everyday.

Brilliant and timeless

It is not possible to read this book without doing some self-reflection along the way. The performance is unmatched in its excellence...I listened to some parts over and over again, for the story, the message and the performance.

Fantastic

This book was already one of my favorites but Joe Morton's performance take it over the top!