The visible man

At once lucid, tense, and entertaining, Chuck Klosterman's novel *The Visible Man* addresses several modern themes—such as the importance of culture, the influence of the media, voyeurism, and the contradiction of being considered "normal." When published in the United States, it was a huge success, receiving critical and reader acclaim. Therapist Victoria Vick is contacted by a man who believes he is in a unique situation and demands that their sessions be held over the phone. She accepts, but as their conversations progress, he reveals himself to be an enigmatic man, leading her to believe he is delusional. *Y____*, as she decides to call him, is an intelligent, well-educated, and cultured man who claims to be a scientist using cloaking technology. He claims it is impossible for anyone to see him while wearing the suit he developed, but he avoids the term "invisibility." More than a novel about a man with a possible special ability, The Visible Man examines two sides of the same story: people's attitudes when they are unseen, and the ethical conduct of those observing without being seen. Klosterman creates a parallel between voyeurism and the burning desire to witness the suffering of others, both present in the book and in society. In the end, the book will make the reader reflect: is it possible for someone to become invisible to the eyes of a society that increasingly seeks to discover, in this media-driven, information-filled world, what is going on in other people's lives? "Rich in detail and with dry humor, The Visible Man combines an intelligent author with a unique writing style." (Los Angeles Times) "A tour de force that explores intimacy and voyeurism. Highly original, a vibrant blend of thriller, science fiction, and high literature." (Publishers Weekly) "Klosterman is capable of expressing the deepest feelings. His writing is interesting, joyful, and, at the same time, thought-provoking." (Entertainment Weekly)