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A review by frenchtoast_n_books
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love a whole lot of what this book does and I can agree that so much of this book is very quotable.
I can only place a few negative critiques in this 300 year, just over 400 page, journey of accepting your life decisions. First, the sudden change in POV to Henry at page 92 jarred me out of Addie's journey. Eventually, I appreciated his POV, but that wasn't until much later in the story. Second, there were some stylistic writing choices that didn't work for me, but that was few and far between. The last 2 are much more of an issue, but more difficult to find an appropriate compromise. We have the issue of diversity in the story. There are plenty of LGBT+ representation in this story, but BI POC representation in a melting pot of New York City is sadly missing. I can probably count 3-5 mentions of BI POC characters, with one regular BI POC side character, out of all the characters mentioned in the story. It's off putting, especially when nearly all historical figure mentions also happen to me white men. Many other reviewers have discussed this and it definitel needs to be said. Lastly, which was a big disappointment to me, is the almost nonchalant mentioning of a character's problematic actions after a deal causes him to be loved by everyone he orbits. He strips their ability to consent to sexual activity when the deal makes them what to do anything to please him or make him happy. Its creepy and it needed to be addressed not brushed under the rug.
Now, those critiques are important but can be argued as necessary because the story is told under the lens of Addie and other factors (with an exception of the few writing irritations). I do still think they are important to be mentioned.
Once getting to the ending of the story and seeing everything drawn to a close, I am so happy I read this book. It is a beautiful examination of how you live through historical horrors and how you try to leave your mark when you are cursed to live eternity unable to say your name and everyone forgets you once you leave their line of sight. Those life lessons and time change you and seeing that on page was phenomenal.
I can only place a few negative critiques in this 300 year, just over 400 page, journey of accepting your life decisions. First, the sudden change in POV to Henry at page 92 jarred me out of Addie's journey. Eventually, I appreciated his POV, but that wasn't until much later in the story. Second, there were some stylistic writing choices that didn't work for me, but that was few and far between. The last 2 are much more of an issue, but more difficult to find an appropriate compromise. We have the issue of diversity in the story. There are plenty of LGBT+ representation in this story, but BI POC representation in a melting pot of New York City is sadly missing. I can probably count 3-5 mentions of BI POC characters, with one regular BI POC side character, out of all the characters mentioned in the story. It's off putting, especially when nearly all historical figure mentions also happen to me white men. Many other reviewers have discussed this and it definitel needs to be said. Lastly, which was a big disappointment to me, is the almost nonchalant mentioning of a character's problematic actions after a deal causes him to be loved by everyone he orbits. He strips their ability to consent to sexual activity when the deal makes them what to do anything to please him or make him happy. Its creepy and it needed to be addressed not brushed under the rug.
Now, those critiques are important but can be argued as necessary because the story is told under the lens of Addie and other factors (with an exception of the few writing irritations). I do still think they are important to be mentioned.
Once getting to the ending of the story and seeing everything drawn to a close, I am so happy I read this book. It is a beautiful examination of how you live through historical horrors and how you try to leave your mark when you are cursed to live eternity unable to say your name and everyone forgets you once you leave their line of sight. Those life lessons and time change you and seeing that on page was phenomenal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship