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A review by books_and_fairy_lights
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"What I want, what I've always truly wanted, is for someone to remember me."
Addie wants to live. She wants to live and to love and to be seen. To be remembered. Henry is afraid of time passing, of having no control over it. Decisions overwhelm him and so he stands still - but that also overwhelms him and life just feels too much.
I could relate to both, on different levels. I think something this book does really well is that it speaks to our hopes and fears, the very human experience of feeling the passing of time and wondering if one really makes enough or the right thing out of it, as you never know when you'll run out of minutes.
Although some of the story was quite predictable, it still unfolded quite nicely, and wrapped up in an ending that made sense. It was really nice to see the story unfold as it does, past mixed with present. I loved discovering New York (are any of those experiences real?). I loved to read about a girl who marvels at the beauty of the world, heart full of excitement as she experiences something new - as there is always new things to experience. If anything, I suppose this book tries to tell you that there is always something worth living for (and that no matter what it is, it is enough).
The writing was good, I want to say kind of common or at least it fit my expectation for a contemporary bestseller - good but not exceptional, predictably pleasing and sometimes a little too obviously so.
I'll get passed the streaks of toxicity sometimes romanticized (especially between Addie and Luc) because tbh what reader (at least of this kind of book), while disapproving of it, also doesn't sigh in pleasure at the idea of being wanted. Well, it's just a thought I guess.
I also did quite enjoy the half discrete representation of different queernesses, especially bisexuality (way too often overlooked for gays/lesbians) (one could argue it is in the end a relationship between a cis man and a cis woman, but both of them are effortlessly (or obviously?) presented as queer/fluid in their sexuality) - anyway, without trying to overanalyze it, it was quite pleasant to read and to see.
Overall a good read, once again a book that ended up in my hands in a time in my life that feels quite right for it. And definitely a good way to start the year.
Addie wants to live. She wants to live and to love and to be seen. To be remembered. Henry is afraid of time passing, of having no control over it. Decisions overwhelm him and so he stands still - but that also overwhelms him and life just feels too much.
I could relate to both, on different levels. I think something this book does really well is that it speaks to our hopes and fears, the very human experience of feeling the passing of time and wondering if one really makes enough or the right thing out of it, as you never know when you'll run out of minutes.
Although some of the story was quite predictable, it still unfolded quite nicely, and wrapped up in an ending that made sense. It was really nice to see the story unfold as it does, past mixed with present. I loved discovering New York (are any of those experiences real?). I loved to read about a girl who marvels at the beauty of the world, heart full of excitement as she experiences something new - as there is always new things to experience. If anything, I suppose this book tries to tell you that there is always something worth living for (and that no matter what it is, it is enough).
The writing was good, I want to say kind of common or at least it fit my expectation for a contemporary bestseller - good but not exceptional, predictably pleasing and sometimes a little too obviously so.
I'll get passed the streaks of toxicity sometimes romanticized (especially between Addie and Luc) because tbh what reader (at least of this kind of book), while disapproving of it, also doesn't sigh in pleasure at the idea of being wanted. Well, it's just a thought I guess.
I also did quite enjoy the half discrete representation of different queernesses, especially bisexuality (way too often overlooked for gays/lesbians) (one could argue it is in the end a relationship between a cis man and a cis woman, but both of them are effortlessly (or obviously?) presented as queer/fluid in their sexuality) - anyway, without trying to overanalyze it, it was quite pleasant to read and to see.
Overall a good read, once again a book that ended up in my hands in a time in my life that feels quite right for it. And definitely a good way to start the year.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual violence
Minor: Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Death