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A review by read_n_wright
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a poignant, character-driven novel that explores the cost of freedom and the power of memory. Addie, a young woman born in 18th-century France, refuses to accept the limited life expected of her — marriage, motherhood, and obscurity. In a desperate moment, she makes a deal with a dark god to escape that fate, gaining immortality but at a steep cost: no one will ever remember her. From that point on, Addie must navigate the world as a ghost, unable to form lasting relationships or even leave a physical mark behind.
What makes the story so compelling isn’t just the high-concept premise, but how intimately it examines the everyday challenges of living under such a curse — how she eats, sleeps, survives, and finds meaning in a world that forgets her. Despite her loneliness, Addie’s persistent hope and ability to find beauty in small moments make her a quietly powerful protagonist. The ending is bittersweet and true to her character, choosing independence over easy companionship, and offering a clever act of defiance against the darkness. It’s a slow, reflective read, more about inner life than action — but it’s beautifully written and emotionally resonant.
What makes the story so compelling isn’t just the high-concept premise, but how intimately it examines the everyday challenges of living under such a curse — how she eats, sleeps, survives, and finds meaning in a world that forgets her. Despite her loneliness, Addie’s persistent hope and ability to find beauty in small moments make her a quietly powerful protagonist. The ending is bittersweet and true to her character, choosing independence over easy companionship, and offering a clever act of defiance against the darkness. It’s a slow, reflective read, more about inner life than action — but it’s beautifully written and emotionally resonant.