The Invisible Girl

by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Tarah Wheeler

Three supernatural tales of longing and loss from the grand-dame of Gothic fiction, Mary Shelly.When a storm drives their boat toward the rocks, a group of sailors are saved by the light of a ruined tower. The locals speak of the Invisible Girl who haunts it - a lost, wandering soul. But the truth, as Mary Shelley unveils, is more disturbing, and far more human than any ghost story.Includes the The Invisible Girl, The Mortal Immortal and The Mourner

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, Gothic

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2026

About the author

Mary Shelley (née Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, often known as Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley) was an English novelist, short story writer, dramatist, essayist, biographer, travel writer, and editor of the works of her husband, Romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley. She was the daughter of the political philosopher William Godwin and the writer, philosopher, and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft.

Mary Shelley was taken seriously as a writer in her own lifetime, though reviewers often missed the political edge to her novels. After her death, however, she was chiefly remembered only as the wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley and as the author of Frankenstein. It was not until 1989, when Emily Sunstein published her prizewinning biography Mary Shelley: Romance and Reality, that a full-length scholarly biography analyzing all of Shelley's letters, journals, and works within their historical context was published.

The well-meaning attempts of Mary Shelley's son and daughter-in-law to "Victorianise" her memory through the censoring of letters and biographical material contributed to a perception of Mary Shelley as a more conventional, less reformist figure than her works suggest. Her own timid omissions from Percy Shelley's works and her quiet avoidance of public controversy in the later years of her life added to this impression.

The eclipse of Mary Shelley's reputation as a novelist and biographer meant that, until the last thirty years, most of her works remained out of print, obstructing a larger view of her achievement. She was seen as a one-novel author, if that. In recent decades, however, the republication of almost all her writings has stimulated a new recognition of its value. Her voracious reading habits and intensive study, revealed in her journals and letters and reflected in her works, is now better appreciated. Shelley's recognition of herself as an author has also been recognized; after Percy's death, she wrote about her authorial ambitions: "I think that I can maintain myself, and there is something inspiriting in the idea". Scholars now consider Mary Shelley to be a major Romantic figure, significant for her literary achievement and her political voice as a woman and a liberal.

Reviews

[Arta · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Thus I have lived on for many a year - alone, and weary of myself - desirous of death, yet never dying - a mortal immortal. Neither ambition nor avarice can enter my mind, and the ardent love that gnaws at my heart, never to be returned - never to find an equal on which to expend itself - lives there only to torment me."

[Natàlia Juan Abelló · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adoro la manera d’escriure de la Mary Shelley. Més enllà de ser pionera en la ciéncia ficció i imaginar l’inexplicable, és magnífica a l’hora d’explorar les emocions dels seus personatges i els vincles entre ells, especialment l’amor més profund i el seu inevitable dol. Com a “the last man”, és impossible llegir aquests relats sense pensar en la seva vida.

[Millie Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 rounded down

[kajol ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found *The Invisible Girl* to be an intriguing and thought-provoking read. The story explores themes of identity, technology, privacy, and what it means to be unseen in a modern world. The combination of suspense and deeper social questions kept me interested throughout. Overall, it’s an engaging and memorable read.

[Emily Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Shelley’s short stories read like gothic fairy tales—melancholy, atmospheric, and just a little uncanny. Even when they’re only a few dozen pages long, she creates such vivid settings that it’s easy to get swept into them. The aesthetic she brings to life is fantastic, from lonely cottages hidden in the mountains to mysterious forests and crumbling castles. Each story explores love, loss, and isolation in a different way, and while they’re all quite different, they share that unmistakable Shelley magic. I had a great time with all three and can’t wait to read more of her shorter works.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that these short stories took me in, and I'm a person who doesn't like short stories. Shelley's writing was as beautiful as ever. I love how artfully descriptive her wording is. This is art, ladies and gentlemen. A fine little book for escaping the hardenships of reality. My least favourite was the third one. And my favourite was the mortal immortal. How all of a sudden perception of eternity ends, just wow. The depth in all stories was amazing, Mary Shelley knows how to write about serious topics in a subtle and unobtrusive way. 4 stars for me.

[Eda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book but then again I didn’t expect anything different considering who wrote it. The first story was intriguing. The second was good although I wouldn’t classify it as great. The third story, The Mourner, I absolutely loved! It was sad but not overly so, as she found peace in the end even if not in a way typically approved of. It’s the sort of story you cannot properly describe and which won’t leave your mind a long time.

This book is great when you want to read something shorter in one or two sittings! I know I will definitely reread it someday.

[Mumtaziskills]

The Invisible Girl is an intriguing read with an interesting premise and a mysterious atmosphere. I enjoyed the way the story creates curiosity and keeps you wondering what will happen next. The characters add depth to the story, and the overall mood makes it an engaging book to spend time with.

It may not be perfect for everyone, but if you enjoy mystery, suspense, and stories that leave you thinking about the characters after you finish, this is worth giving a try.

[Matthew Yeldon · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

3-stories-in-one. Nice to read something else from Shelley other than Frankenstein. Sadly, only ‘The Mortal Immortal’ really entertained with its sci-fi/fantasy elements. Wish it was longer. Kudos for her ability to write a male narrator, a different one for each story here, but also a bit of a frown that she may have felt she had to.

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not entirely sure why this is pre-publication when I bought it in a Foyles but oh well!

Really enjoyed all three stories, particularly the second one about the student of Agrippa. All three were as wordy as Shelley usually is, but short enough to be entertaining.

[Kori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of her remarkable ideas make appearances in the stories, even though they're not as developed as in her later works. Not to spoil anything, but most remarkable of them is of course Cornelius Agrippa in "Mortal Immortal"

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. While the first story, The Invisible Girl, was underwhelming, I enjoyed The Mortal Immortal and The Mourner and each one crafted a very melancholic atmosphere.

[Prisca Turazzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Invisible Girl ~ 4⭐️
The Mortal Immortal ~ 4⭐️
The Mourner ~ 3,5 ⭐️

[Natasja Møller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rigtig god

[Roy Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three great short stories with all of the gothic vibe of Frankenstein.

[Erin Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed each of these stories and it was my first go at some Mary Shelley 😊 I was not disappointed

[Peach · Rating 4 out of 5]

ranked: 1. the mortal immortal, 2. The mourner, 3. the invisible girl!
they were all really good page turners and sad, but from like an interest level it is that ranking:p

[rk · Rating 1 out of 5]

i was expecting a ghost story lol

[Max Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last story, The Mourner, was heartbreaking in its similarity to Mary Shelley’s own recent tragedy just before it was written… beautiful read ⛵️

[Melanie · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Lovely introduction to Mary Shelley. Gorgeous gothic style that is truly immersive despite the stories' relative short lengths. Perfect for October

[Brooke Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I think by reading this after Edith Wharton I’ve done it a disservice as I so vastly prefer her short stories.

[Ellie Rollings · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 / 5

I love Mary Shelley, she is one of my GOATS of writing. I read ‘Frankenstein’ a couple years ago and is still one of my favourite gothic pieces ever. This book is beautiful in a lot of way and this is another gorgeous piece that she has written.

My particular favourite short story from this book is ‘The Mortal Immortal’ I found myself enthralled with the story and utterly amazed by Shelley’s writing. She continues to amaze me and I will always be her biggest fan.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written cover to cover. The stories manage to flow incredibly well for the 21st century reader while retaining all the charm and eloquence of the period.

[meelee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three stunning short stories about love and loss, with a gothic feel yet still rooted in humanity - beautiful intro into Mary Shelley if you haven’t been wanting to take on Frankenstein