A highly unusual new book by Hervey Bay author, Tony Matthews delves deeply into the persona of the solitudinous introvert and reveals the true character of those who prefer to remain in the background, observing the world generally but rarely taking part in it. Invisible — the Essential Guide for Aliens Stranded on Earth, is a frank and, at times, intensely funny examination of what it’s like to be a quiet, reclusive introvert in a world that generally likes to party loudly and excessively.
Based on the author’s own experiences as an introvert, recluse and vegan, and his relentless thirst for understanding, Tony takes us on a fascinating mystery tour. Utilising the tools of bone-cutting humour, his ongoing quest to become virtually invisible to the world has been an astonishing, life-changing journey where ‘solitude’ is almost a ‘physical’ place.
The book begins with a look at a young boy’s life as seen through the somewhat distorted prism of a satirical lens.
Tony introduces a tapestry of reclusive characters who either shaped or influenced his early life including several rather potty aunts — one of whom, apparently, could speak with the dead.
Tony also spends periods of his summer vacations in a Stone Age cave where, crawling like a badger into a narrow tunnel, he quite remarkably discovers the fossilised remains of a million year old pterodactyl.
Utilising the tools of incisive humour, Tony strips away the myths and legends surrounding those who embrace a vegan and reclusive lifestyle, while at the same time exposing a dysfunctional array of issues. For example, sometimes we all have to pretend to be people we are not. More than occasionally, introverts have to appear to be extroverts and, astonishingly, the reverse is also true.
Who would have believed that introverts actually make rather good military commanders because not only can they think calmly and quietly but they also like sitting in darkened rooms where they can’t be seen, remotely guiding operations in locations that might be tens of thousands of miles away.
It’s a strange form of highly improbable invisibility.
Published by Big Sky Publishing, Invisible — the Essential Guide for Aliens Stranded on Earth is available from all good book stores or online through Booktopia.
Other titles by Tony Matthews can be found on the publisher’s website: www.bigskypublishing.com.au
