First published in 1952 and immediately hailed as a masterpiece, "Invisible Man" is one of those rare novels that have changed the shape of American literature. For not only does Ralph Ellison's nightmare journey across the racial divide tell unparalleled truths about the nature of bigotry and its effects on the minds of both victims and perpetrators, it gives us an entirely new model of what a novel can be. As he journeys from the Deep South to the streets and basements of Harlem, from a horrifying "battle royal" where black men are reduced to fighting animals, to a Communist rally where they are elevated to the status of trophies, Ralph Ellison's nameless protagonist ushers readers into a parallel universe that throws our own into harsh and even hilarious relief. Suspenseful and sardonic, narrated in a voice that takes in the symphonic range of the American language, black and white, "Invisible Man" is one of the most audacious and dazzling novels of our century.
Burke Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 3:30 to 5 PM. It is a monthly book discussion group through the Burke Branch Library. Please note that this month's discussion will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
This program will take place by Zoom and registration is required. After registering, you will be emailed the link to join this Zoom meeting. If you have questions about the program or need help with set up, please contact Caroline at cpak@alexlibraryva.org.
