Memoirs of an Invisible Man

Atheneum Books

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Memoirs of an Invisible Man is a 1987 science fiction novel authored by H. F. Saint.

Synopsis

The story is narrated by Nicholas Halloway, a 34-year-old Manhattan securities analyst, who recounts his life following an incident that causes him to become invisible. He forms a connection with Anne Epstein, a Times journalist intrigued by his expertise in business. At MicroMagnetics, during a demonstration involving magnetic containment of a nuclear experiment, Marxist student demonstrators disable the laboratory’s power supply. This leads to a malfunction in the nuclear apparatus and an unusual light that renders everything within a fifty-foot radius invisible—including Nicholas.

Initially, Nicholas awakens unsure if he has been dismembered or transformed into a ghost, but soon realizes he has turned invisible. Federal agents overseeing the facility locate him but lose his confidence when they attempt to detain him on suspicions of military espionage, prioritizing national security at the expense of his freedom. He manages to flee by appropriating invisible objects, shooting one agent, and setting the building ablaze.

Returning to his apartment, Nicholas observes that food remains visible until it is completely digested. Confronted with the reality of permanent invisibility, he must navigate everyday challenges such as driving, employment, and shelter while avoiding capture by government operatives. He fabricates a false identity, acquires wealth to become a millionaire, and places his trust in Alice Barlow, a woman in her late twenties.

Characters

• Nicholas Halloway serves as the protagonist, formerly a securities analyst based in Manhattan, who becomes invisible and must outmaneuver the U.S. Government while adjusting to his new invisible existence.
• Alice Barlow works as a graphic designer focusing on book covers. She meets Nicholas at a social event, and their relationship develops into a romance that poses significant risks for him.
• Anne Epstein is a reporter and Nicholas’s romantic interest who aids in revealing Colonel Jenkins’ operations after Alice’s abduction. She eventually marries her fiance.
• David Jenkins holds the rank of colonel in charge of intelligence assessment and is determined to apprehend Nicholas once he refuses cooperation.
• Clellan, Tyler, Gomez, and Morrissey are Colonel Jenkins’ team members assigned to locate Nicholas and secure MicroMagnetics; Tyler sustains two gunshot wounds inflicted by Nicholas during his escape.

Development

Harry F. Saint, aged 45 and formerly engaged in Wall Street business, had not written since producing a short piece for Esquire twenty years prior. Aspiring for commercial achievement, he developed the concept of an invisible man, possibly influenced by works from H. G. Wells or Topper. After facing rejection from one publisher and two literary agents, the manuscript was eventually acquired by Atheneum Books for $5,000.

A subsequent audiobook edition was issued by Simon & Schuster, featuring narration by Jeff Daniels.

Critical reception

Saint’s sole novel garnered predominantly favorable critiques. Time magazine labeled it as an "uncompromising thriller," commending its thorough depiction of invisibility's complications which distinguished it from comparable narratives. Publishers Weekly praised the genuine dialogue and consistent tension throughout the book, while The New York Times acknowledged Saint’s "dry wit" but pointed out inconsistencies in the writing style.

Though initially intending to pursue writing full-time, Saint retired after the book’s success.

Prior to publication, Saint reportedly earned approximately $2.5 million through book club deals and film rights secured by Warner Bros. following competitive bidding. The 1992 cinematic adaptation failed commercially, receiving unfavorable reviews and underperforming at theaters.