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A review by esmemctav
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It’s so close to 4, and was such an entertaining and engaging read. The story itself was really romantic and sentimental, and I found the characters to be super charming. I cannot fault it for that. The writing has a great lyrical vibe to it which is very VE Schwab.
However, the entire time I kept thinking of how much more of higher stakes things would’ve been, or rather far more understandable (re selling you soul) if Addie were POC woman in yee old times of 1714. I could completely sink into the plausibility of wanting to make a deal with the devil for freedom and time if this were the case.
Also—how can one be 300+ years old and the only places you’ve been able to see is (some) of western Europe and the US? With all that time one would at least entertain a visit to anywhere in Asia.
Then to speak on the topic of addie as a character herself—I thought she read too modern, with her complaining about corsets and stays like she knew of an alternative. It took me out of the time period because it felt more to the tune of a modern person time travelling backwards.
Would defs read again for ~romantic vibes~.
However, the entire time I kept thinking of how much more of higher stakes things would’ve been, or rather far more understandable (re selling you soul) if Addie were POC woman in yee old times of 1714. I could completely sink into the plausibility of wanting to make a deal with the devil for freedom and time if this were the case.
Also—how can one be 300+ years old and the only places you’ve been able to see is (some) of western Europe and the US? With all that time one would at least entertain a visit to anywhere in Asia.
Then to speak on the topic of addie as a character herself—I thought she read too modern, with her complaining about corsets and stays like she knew of an alternative. It took me out of the time period because it felt more to the tune of a modern person time travelling backwards.
Would defs read again for ~romantic vibes~.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual harassment