The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Hardcover – October 6, 2020

This is a great story, full of intrigue and imagination. Time loops and spirals, so if you like linear, chronological stories, it isn’t for you. But if you like time travel stories or dual time lines, you’ll like it.People given three wishes often ask for immortality, with their youth and health intact. But the devil (or is he?) always wins in the end. Addie just wants time, independence, and love. Make a deal with the devil (or is he?), the devil always wins in the end (or does he?)I really enjoyed this book. Fascinating story line and interesting characters, very well written. Lots of heart, too. No bad language, violence, or sex scenes. Suitable for mature teens and adults. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time. I rarely rate 5 stars for books, but this one is worth it.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you've finished reading. The story of Addie, a young woman who makes a desperate bargain to live forever but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets, is both heartbreaking and inspiring.From the first page, I was drawn into Addie's world. Schwab's writing is so vivid and lyrical that it felt like I was living alongside Addie through her centuries-long journey. The pain of being forgotten is portrayed so powerfully that I found myself aching for her, hoping she would find some form of connection and recognition.One of the most moving aspects of the story is how it delves into the human desire for legacy and the impact of memory. Addie's struggle to leave a mark on the world resonated deeply with me. The relationship between Addie and Luc, the enigmatic figure who granted her immortality, is complex and filled with tension, adding layers of depth to the narrative.The character of Henry, who finally remembers Addie, brings a new dimension to the story. Their connection is both a lifeline and a reminder of the fragility of human relationships. The book beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and the quest for meaning in an existence that seems to have none.Reading this book was an emotional rollercoaster, and I found myself thinking about it long after I turned the last page. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is not just a fantasy novel; it's a profound exploration of what it means to be remembered and how we leave our mark on the world.If you're looking for a book that will touch your heart and make you see the world a little differently, I highly recommend it.

V.E. Schwab’s *The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue* is a poignant and haunting exploration of immortality, identity, and the need to be remembered. This intricately woven narrative transports readers across centuries and continents, following the life of Adeline “Addie” LaRue, a young woman who makes a fateful deal with a dark God. With breathtaking prose and a story that lingers long after the final page, Schwab delivers a masterpiece that is as heartfelt as it is heart-wrenching.Set in 18th century France, Addie LaRue is a dreamer trapped in a world that offers little freedom for women. In a moment of desperation, faced with a marriage of convenience that threatens to snuff out her spirit, she prays to the gods for escape. But as warned by her mentor, Estele, one must never pray to the gods after dark. Ignoring this advice, Addie strikes a deal with a shadowy figure, granting her immortality but cursing her to a life where no one remembers her. She leaves no mark on the world—no written words, no artistic creations, no lasting connections. She is forgotten the moment she slips from a person’s sight.What follows is a journey of resilience and determination as Addie navigates the centuries, finding ways to leave an imprint on the world despite her curse. Her story takes an intriguing turn when, after 300 years of anonymity, she meets Henry Strauss, a man who, to her astonishment, remembers her. Their connection becomes a cornerstone of the novel, unraveling layers of emotion, mystery, and existential inquiry.The enigmatic antagonist, referred to as Luc or “the darkness,” is both Addie’s tormentor and her reluctant companion. He grants her wish with a sardonic cruelty, reveling in her struggles as he waits for her to surrender. Yet, there is a strange intimacy between the two. Luc is not a one-dimensional villain; he is charming, seductive, and occasionally vulnerable. He challenges Addie, pushing her to confront her fears and desires, making their dynamic one of the most compelling aspects of the novel.Henry is a character whose presence turns Addie’s world upside down. The first person to remember her in centuries, Henry carries his own burdens and secrets. His story interweaves with Addie’s, delving into themes of self-worth and the longing to be loved. Their relationship is tender and bittersweet, offering moments of solace and heartbreak as they navigate the complexities of their intertwined fates.The story is told in a multiple timeline narrative alternating between Addie and Henry’s pasts and the present. Schwab’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the nuances of emotion and the passage of time with elegance. The descriptions of Addie’s experiences, from the bustling streets of 18th century Paris to the modern-day cafes of New York, are immersive and atmospheric. Schwab has a gift for crafting sentences that resonate, lingering in the reader’s mind long after the book is closed.This is a novel that will stay with you, its echoes reverberating in your thoughts long after the final page. It is heartfelt, heart-wrenching, and, above all, unforgettable. Schwab has crafted a story that is as timeless as Addie herself, a testament to the enduring power of love, art, and the human desire to be seen. "I remember you" Addie LaRue.