The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a 2020 fantasy fiction standalone novel written by American author V.E. Schwab. It was published by Tor Books on October 6, 2020. The story follows a young French woman in 1714 making a bargain with the devil that makes her immortal but curses her to be forgotten by everyone she meets. It was heavily praised and nominated for the 2020 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
It's a fun fantasy-ish alternate universe version of Groundhog Day. Has a twisting plot line that never gets to far afield and that encourages introspection. Good stuff all around.
Content warning Vague spoilers ahead!
Throughly enjoyed this book however I think I would have preferred Addie to twist at the end and embrace her lack of humanity - becoming something like Luc. Other reviewers have commented on how stagnant Addie's character is and I really feel that is true. Luc, a literal god of darkness, has more character development than Addie does.
The writing implies that Luc is unable to break her curse, yet even as he loves her she can never allow herself to accept anything he tells her because he cursed her _____ hundred years ago?
I feel a better character arc for Addie would be allowing herself to accept Luc's love, growing to recognize herself as no longer human, and putting her curse to work in a way that can affect real good in the world. Addie is so stuck on trying to be remembered and wanting to be held but when there is someone offering that to her she is still unwilling to take it. Why?
Three hundred years and she is still running. As it is I appreciated her steadfast need for freedom above all else - but sometimes one's greatest strength can become their greatest downfall.
I picked this book up because it is so popular and gets so many rave reviews, and I was somewhat disappointed. I enjoyed the book, it is sweet and melancholy. But it was also unnecessary long, often slow, the character development wasn't particularly deep or nuanced, and the writing didn't strike me as particularly brilliant.
I don't regret reading it, but I don't get what all the hype is about.
I definitely haven't read this before but there's a very strong sense of déjà vu that permeates entire book. Just adds to the enjoyment, really. Love a supernatural romance- even if this was a bit more gentle in both of those departments than I'd usually prefer, still good 👍
I have not fallen in love this quickly and completely with a book in a good long while. I knew from the first few chapters that I was going to tear through it because I was immediately enchanted by Addie and the intricacies of the way she moved in the world. This was my first time reading Schwab's work and it definitely won't be my last. Her writing is eloquent and so full of brilliant thoughts and ideas. What a treasure this was to experience.
