Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

I was never drawn into the hype surrounding V.E. Schwab's novels. However, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue blessed my bookstagram doorstep, and I was drawn in deeply; call me cliché, but it was love at first sight.

For one thing, the cover is gorgeous! The colour scheme and flower details enticed me, and the title itself is wrapped in intrigue. I went into the story with no expectations, for the most part. I hadn't read the blurb or any reviews beforehand (not even the spoiler-free ones), but I did see a number of references to

"I remember you", and the seven freckles across Addie's cheeks that look like constellations

. That was all, and it was enough to take all of my money.

Going in without any prior knowledge is my favourite way to enter a novel. It keeps me open-minded and leaves room to enjoy the reading experience so much more. I've found many of my favourites novels and authors this way, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is no exception.

I'm surely not the only one who can say they have also wondered what it would be like (and even wished) to be invisible. Addie's story shows us what that could be like through the most wondrously descriptive experiences; traipsing through the art of remembering, of people, of France. The writing style feels so much like a symphony; a dance to preserve one's history through time. It was a glorious time in this literary world.

The characters are so, so loveable; all in their own unique ways. Well, there are a few exceptions... but for the most part, they are, ironically, unforgettable. This novel is strongly character-driven by Addie, and soon by Henry, and I couldn't love them both more. I adored reading and learning their stories, witnessing their growth and character development. They left a heavy mark on me, but so too did the minor characters we meet along the way.

I've left yearning for Schwab to gift us the blessing of more novels set in this world. I want to learn the stories of the other characters we got to meet. We don't have many pages or even chapters with them, but we learn so much. Enough to want to learn more, and I find that such a strong and compelling aspect, paired with the richness in prose.

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is poetry in every sense of the word.

Even when we are known, we want to leave a mark on the world. How much more when you are remembered by no one?

Content Warnings

madmilliner's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I wanted to like this story, especially because the writing is so beautiful. The words, and scenes are a cross between poetry and art.

It is the ultimate manic pixie dream girl vs depressive demon nightmare boy, I felt it was trying too hard and was somehow ¿oversaturated?

Content Warnings

rebeccaxpaige's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is amazing. I found it to be slow in the beginning but I enjoyed the pace. Addie is a wonderful, strong and resilient character as she wrestles with loneliness, sadness and the pain that comes with her Faustian deal. It is slow, but I don’t think it makes the book boring at all, it made me emotionally invested, and hungry for more. Her story is heart wrenching and so worth the read. Just read it. You’ll be happy, sad, angry and confused. All in good ways that keep you hooked.

I strongly recommend it. That’s it.

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