Invisible Men

Jamaican author Marlon James has gained international acclaim for his novel "A Brief History of Seven Killings," which earned him the Booker Prize in 2015. While the title may suggest a focus on seven killings, the actual content delves into a multitude of violent events, including an assassination attempt on Bob Marley, a gang truce, and the violence that followed.

The novel provides a glimpse into Jamaican history and culture through the eyes of various narrators, many of whom are driven by personal ambitions, revenge, wealth, or journalism.

Among these narrators, one woman stands out as the sole consistently sympathetic character, who dreams of disappearing from the world. James himself has admitted to wanting to leave Jamaica, echoing this sentiment. His new novel, "The Disappearers," delves deeper into this theme, focusing on men who attempt to evade detection rather than rise to power.

Five of the main narrators share similarities with James in terms of age, background, and interests, and one of them avoided the worst of Jamaica's violence, leading to a stable job and an advanced degree. This novel marks James's first realist work since "A Brief History of Seven Killings," exploring a more grounded narrative.

The story is set in Kingston in 1988, where eight men gather in a house to rehearse a play about gay men and power. The characters, who are not professionals, come from various walks of life, including a bookish university student, a hustling car dweller, and a mysterious half-Chinese businessman. As they immerse themselves in the play, they find solace and a sense of belonging in this creative space, which helps them escape the harsh realities of their lives.

However, their newfound freedom is short-lived when a group of attackers storms the house, inflicting violence upon the gathered actors. One character is killed, another blinded, and the rest face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives or fleeing Kingston altogether. The novel follows the survivors as Jordan and Eddy, two of the narrators, embark on separate and combined journeys to uncover the identities of those who have disappeared during the attacks.

Through different narrative voices and a series of interconnected stories, James paints a vivid picture of these men's lives, struggles, and desires to disappear or exact revenge.

"The Disappearers" serves as a commentary on power dynamics, violence, and the consequences of living in a society that deems certain individuals unworthy of existing. James delves into the psyche of those who have grown up feeling like outsiders, often resorting to hiding or becoming marginalized figures. By weaving a story that touches on themes of sexuality, identity, and the experience of being an outsider, James sheds light on the hidden underbelly of Jamaican society and the lengths some people will go to in order to escape their past and find a sense of belonging.