Invisible: A Memoir

By Hugues de Montalembert

The impressionistic memoir of an artist who was blinded in a sudden act of violence, leading to a profound meditation on what it means to see and be seen 'You live in a city like New York. You read the papers. You look at the television. But you never think it will happen to you. It happened to me one evening'.

One summer night in 1978, Hugues de Montalembert returned home to his New York City apartment to find two men robbing him. In a violent struggle, one of the assailants threw paint thinner in Hugues' face. Within a few hours, he was completely blind. Eloquent and provocative, Invisible moves beyond the horrific events of that night to what happened to Hugues after he lost his sight: his rehabilitation, his solo travels around the world and the remarkable way he learned to 'see' even without the use of his eyes. Without a trace of self-pity, Hugues describes his transition from an up-and-coming painter to a blind man who had to learn to walk with a cane. His status changed in the eyes of other people as their reactions ranged from avoidance to making him their confidant. Hugues travelled to faraway places and learned to trust strangers and find himself at home in any situation. Part philosophy, part autobiography, part inspiration, Invisiblewill change the way you view the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia
• Release date: Aug 4, 2011
• ISBN: 9780731815395

Hugues de Montalembert

Born in France, Hugues de Montalembert is a painter and photographer who was blinded during a violent assault while living in New York in 1978. He is the author of one previous book in English, Eclipse (1985).  His story was also the basis of the acclaimed documentary film, Black Sun (2007). He currently lives in Paris. 

Reviews for Invisible

[nyiper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just plain fascinating. A very quick read but truly a book that makes you "try" and think about what is being said by this author. Something so seemingly horrific in the past becomes an acceptable reality that is even rewarding in the present.

[motherofthree_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A quick hour long read. One reads such things because they want a glimpse into the mind and feelings of a person whose experienced a trauma. I enjoyed the short paragraphs and flipping between the hospital and present day life. The author has a philosphy of life the reader may not adhere to, but a good read none-the-less.

[goodinthestacks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This memoir by Hugues de Montalembert was a quick, but thought provoking read. The author was blinded in an attack in NYC during the late 1970s, and he talks about his struggles, adjusting to his new way of life, and how he did not let his blindness stop him from doing what he wanted.