The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Title: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Author: V.E. Schwab
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: October 6, 2020
Pages: 448
ISBN-10: 0765387565
ISBN-13: 978-0765387561

Summary

In The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V. E. Schwab tells the story of Adeline “Addie” LaRue, a young woman in 1714 France who makes a desperate pact to live forever but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

This Faustian bargain grants her immortality at the cost of perpetual solitude, as no one retains any memory of her after their encounters.

Addie’s journey spans centuries and continents, during which she influences art and history in subtle ways, leaving behind fleeting impressions of her existence.

Her life takes a transformative turn in 2014 when she meets Henry Strauss, a man who, against all odds, remembers her.

Their relationship challenges the boundaries of her curse and explores themes of love, identity, and the desire to leave a lasting mark on the world.

Main Plot & Characters

Addie LaRue: A spirited and independent woman from 18th-century France who yearns for freedom beyond the confines of her small village.

Her pact with a mysterious god grants her immortality but condemns her to be forgotten by all she meets.

Luc: The enigmatic god of the night who strikes the bargain with Addie.

Their relationship evolves over the centuries, oscillating between adversarial and intimate, as Luc periodically appears to remind Addie of their deal and to tempt her to surrender her soul.

Henry Strauss: A bookstore employee in 2014 New York City who, unlike others, remembers Addie after their first meeting.

Haunted by his own existential struggles, Henry’s connection with Addie becomes a pivotal point in both their lives, offering a unique exploration of love and memory.

The narrative alternates between Addie’s past experiences across different eras and her present-day interactions, weaving a rich tapestry of her attempts to leave a mark on a world that forgets her.

Key Themes of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

• The Quest for Identity: Addie’s struggle to assert her existence in a world that cannot remember her highlights the human desire for recognition and the affirmation of one’s identity.
• The Nature of Freedom and Choice: The novel examines the complexities of freedom, as Addie’s immortality offers boundless possibilities yet imposes profound isolation, prompting reflections on the true cost of absolute freedom.
• Art as Immortality: Throughout her journey, Addie influences various artists, leaving subtle imprints of her presence in their works, suggesting that art serves as a conduit for enduring legacy and remembrance.
• Love and Human Connection: The relationship between Addie and Henry delves into the significance of genuine human connections and the impact of being truly seen and remembered by another.

Writing Style

Schwab’s writing blends historical settings with modern-day scenes.

The alternating timelines are clear and easy to follow, keeping readers connected to the characters and themes.

The book makes you think about big questions while still delivering a deeply emotional story.

Impact of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Upon its release, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue received widespread acclaim for its innovative storytelling.

The novel sparks discussions on the nature of existence, the human craving for legacy, and the interplay between memory and identity.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!