"To classify it as perfect is neither an imprecision nor a hyperbole."

That is how Jorge Luis Borges chooses to praise the story in the prologue he wrote for The Invention of Morel. It is difficult to argue the truth of this opinion on this seminal work of fantastic fiction. However, one thing is for certain: Morel is a masterpiece of modernist fiction. Adolfo Bioy Casares' plot and aesthetic appears to be strongly influenced by Borges, which isn't a surprise considering the mentor-pupil friendship of the two authors.

The book explores the life of a fugitive who is hiding on a deserted island. His narration shows a constant fear of being turned over to the law. It is this fear that has driven him to travelling in terse conditions and battling harsh weather to reach this island. The island is remote and barren, except for four fantastical structures: a chapel, a museum, a swimming pool and a mill. Unfortunately his stay is interrupted by the arrival of a group of tourists on the island, forcing him to retreat to the dense forestry to avoid being found out. Yet, who are these mysterious characters? What do they want? Why do they behave in the way they do? What is with the repetitive score of "Tea for Two" and "Valencia" played repeatedly in the background?

The book is entirely based on one man's quest towards understanding these visitors and their phenomenons.

“I do not believe that a dream should necessarily be taken for reality, or reality for madness.”

Some noteworthy facts: The first sound film The Jazz Singer was released in the year 1927. Moving pictures (both silent and talking) had a central influence on the themes of the novel. The book was partially inspired by the movement from silent films to talking films and resulting career-deaths of some celebrated icons of the silent film industry. (See: Louise Brooks).

H.G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau is also an inspiration behind the novel.