Synopsis
France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.
Rating
★★★★★
Thoughts
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is one of those books that I know I cannot do justice in a review, aside from giving it the five stars that it deserves. This is my first V.E. Schwab book, and wow… The author wrote in such a romantic, poetic way that I remained captivated throughout. I love Schwab’s take on the timeless tale of a person who makes a deal with The Devil. It’s always “Be careful what you wish for,” isn’t it?
There are countless things that I enjoyed about this story. I found the character development to be rich and intoxicating. I especially loved Schwab’s portrayal of The Devil, Luc, in his suave, savvy, shifting forms. I adored the intelligent Addie and her very human desires and flaws. Her main love interest, Henry, was painted in a similar light. I enjoyed the deal itself, which made for an interesting plot with many struggles and revelations. And finally, I appreciated Addie’s strength and wit, right up to the end.
I will be thinking about this book for some time, as it has become one of my new favorite books!
Quotes
- “What is a person, if not the marks they leave behind?”
- “Stories are a way to preserve one’s self. To be remembered. And to forget.”
- “Déjà vu. Déjà su. Déjà vécu.”