Invisible

Invisible (Invisible)

Invisible is a moving and original account of bullying, seen from the perspective of both victim and perpetrator, as well as the family members, friends, teachers and bystanders who are unable to see what’s happening, or indeed do see but choose not to intervene. The book takes its name from the victim’s supposed ‘superpower’ of being able to become invisible at will, in order to go unseen by the bully, and escape the shame and impotence he feels at not being able to stand up for himself.

In the first part of the novel, we are presented with the aftermath of an ‘accident’. Moreno gives us short snapshots that introduce us to the main characters… The next part of the story is a flashback to events leading up to the ‘accident’. Short chapters describing the boy’s daily life paint a picture of him as a devoted big brother, loyal friend, comic book fan and hard-working, high-achieving student, a classic ‘nerd’ currently studying for his school exams.

Bullying, along with the wider themes of empathy, difference and acceptance have become increasingly prominent in children’s and YA literature, as demonstrated by the huge success of novels like R.J. Palacio’s bestseller Wonder (Corgi, 2012). In many ways Invisible is a similar read – disturbing yet charming, brutal yet beautiful. As the cruelty of the bullying intensifies, the reading experience verges on the unpleasant at times. But Moreno tempers the boy’s suffering with insights into his comic book-like flights of fancy which he uses to escape the trauma of his daily life. The vivid imagery …  is original and gives the novel a sense of optimism despite its dark themes.

Moreno’s fast-paced, matter-of-fact narrative reflects the speed with which the roles of bully and victim are established, and the ease with which it becomes part of everyday life. It is a narrative that often simply observes - watching the action and describing events as they happen – making the reader feel almost guilty at being yet another bystander in the long list of people in the boy’s life who stand by and allow the bullying to happen.

From the reader´s report by Faye Williams