It's a little Thelma & Louise-ish, but it's a nice story of friendship and adventures, at Costco no less. The book is heavily into metaphor and simile, smearing the prose with a layer of hyperbole and language, oozing comparisons from every pore, while showering you with words. (Kinda like that. See what I did there? Eh? Eh?)Ellen is fat, with a scar on her face. She disappears as much as she can, and people are willing to not see her. Until one day a blind woman named Temerity gets on Ellen's bus and sits next to her. Since Temerity can't see Ellen, Temerity sits right next to her. Ellen follows her one day and saves Temerity from a mugging. Their developing friendship also renders Ellen less invisible, as she interacts with people around her. Ellen seems so dumb, more dumb than just a regular agoraphobic introvert who reads all the time would be. But one of the characters tells her she's smart, which struck an odd note with me, since the entire book until then seemed to emphasize Ellen's passivity and stupidity.It kept me reading, even though I knew exactly how things would develop (too many spoilers). One event acts like a pulled string that leads to a series of events that has far reaching consequences for more than just the two main characters.Ellen is overweight, socially stunted and doing her best to remain as invisible as possible, so much so that she succeeds in having everyone around her ignore her. Then she meets Temerity, a blind girl.Temerity is blind, outgoing, unafraid, and inquisitive. She lives with her brother, she is a professional violinist. She sees things in Ellen that Ellen doesn’t know about herself.This is a "buddy" story of sorts with unexpected adventure. I really enjoyed the pacing and the appeal of the characters.
What do You think about Invisible Ellen (2014)?
I felt this book charming and easy enough for a beach read or if your in between books.
—Corey
I loved this book! It was witty, charming and made me laugh and cry.
—Sarahsebniall
Loved it! also loved the audible.com version
—Kswarren
For all the people who feel invisible . . .
—emily
