The exposed take on "The Invisible Life of Addie larue"

By Lilly Rosier, 2023

Published 12/6/21

Debatably the novel of the year, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab was a craze developed on TikTok. I read this book when it started to gain its popularity in the beginning of 2021.

The premise of the story is raw and unique. A small town girl in France during the 1700’s named Addie LaRue dabbles with mythological gods known as “Those who seek after dark.” She makes a deal with the devil she will live forever but not a single person will ever have a memory of her. She learns about loneliness and that living is not worth it without someone to share it with. One day many decades later in a New York bookshop, she meets a boy that remembers her.

To be honest, I usually do not have high expectations for popular new books. It is almost upsetting how much this fantasized book blew away my expectations. There is never a dull moment as Addie is constantly moving and onto new explorations. She is someone you get too attached to and will not want to get rid of. Watching her experience is heartbreaking to try and escape a meaningless life to just be remembered.

Although fantasy is at the forefront it is portrayed in such a realistic way you believe all of these godlike beings are real people. If you like love stories, get ready to be absolutely demolished in pain that Addie suffers. It is done so tastefully the love is not in your face, but lingers way after you read it.

The overall aesthetic of this book is like walking through the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art looking at the different paintings with French music in the background. All in all, I very much recommend this euphoric book; get ready to be emotionally attached to anything and everything written.