Fade

Starts out intriguingly, being the coming of age story of a boy who, as puberty strikes, suddenly has spells of becoming invisible (first without realising), as well as the story of a mystery, and a period piece about the Great Depression in an industrial town (and trade unions)...Then the novel becomes all postmodern, and it becomes a novel about writers, writing, creative writing classes and students, agents, and the process. Then it's back into the story of fading...It's a fast read, possibly for young adults. It's never boring. For me, the mixture did not really satisfy entirely, but it's a decent postmodern self-conscious scifi romp...

This is the 1st Robert Cormier book I've read, and i'll certainly be reading more because I enjoyed Fade so much - I can't stop thinking about it.It's a sad, dark story and beautifully written.It begins with 13 yr old Paul who discovers he can become invisible. Paul struggles with this new power, the possibilities it gives him and the dangerous path it leads him down. In the second half of the book, adult Paul tracks down his nephew, the new fader. At this point the story becomes very disturbing and violent.I think this is a very adult book, despite it being in the teenage fiction range. Don't expect 'The Invisible Man', the tone is sullen and dreamy and it deals with subjects much deeper than having a 'super power'. I think it's a powerful, haunting read and would highly recommend it.