The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab is a historical fantasy novel published in 2020.

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General Summary (No Spoilers!)

The story begins in 1714 in rural France, where Addie, a free-spirited young girl, delights in accompanying her father to the nearby town’s market. However, in a time when women’s lives are increasingly restricted, her independence is slowly stripped away, and she is pressured into an arranged marriage. During this time of rising Christian beliefs, the village widow Estelle introduces Addie to the “old gods,” but warning her to never, under any circumstances, call upon the gods who answer after dark.

On her wedding day, Addie flees and desperately prays for more time, asking for freedom and to belong to no one. Though her countless offerings over the years went unanswered, a mysterious figure appears. Despite recognizing this as one of the gods Estelle warned her about, Addie hears her pursuers draw closer and makes a fateful deal. When she awakens, she finds herself immortal, but a cruel twist in her words reveals the true price: no one will ever remember her.

The rest of the novel alternates between present-day New York City and flashbacks of Addie’s centuries-long journey navigating her curse, until a stranger unexpectedly recognizes her, changing everything…

Background

Throughout history, the quest for immortality has captivated human imagination, manifesting both in literal and metaphorical forms. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, sought to achieve immortality through elaborate burial practices and the preservation of the body, believing that the soul would continue its journey in the afterlife. Similarly, myths like the Elixir of Life and the Fountain of Youth illustrate humanity’s longing to defy mortality.

In contrast, metaphorical immortality has been explored through art, literature, and legacy, where individuals strive to leave lasting impacts on the world, ensuring their ideas and creations endure beyond their physical existence. Artists, writers, and thinkers from every era have had their work shape future generations long after their deaths. More recently, Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches and activism continue to inspire movements for justice and equality, ensuring his legacy.

This pursuit for immortality, whether through the body or through lasting influence, underscores humanity’s enduring desire to leave a mark that outlives the fleeting nature of life.

Themes

The Meaning of Human Existence

Addie’s curse raises the question of existence: If someone can’t leave a mark on the world to the extent that no one remembers them and their work erases itself, do they even exist?

Immortality

While Addie can live forever, true immortality is portrayed through her influence on artists throughout history, raising questions about how art can truly capture and preserve life

Identity

The curse strips Addie of the identity others can affirm, forcing her to redefine herself internally.

Review

Schwab perfectly blends historical fiction with a magical background. The fantasy elements are subtle and straightforward, leaving the focus on Addie’s character development and existential themes, all the while making it more interesting. The settings range from 18th-century France to 19th-century Italy and modern-day New York City.

Check it out on my upcoming top fantasy list!

Personal Thoughts And Recommendations

I finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue the day after starting and would definitely recommend it to readers wanting an engaging, modern book. My favorite elements of the novel are the varying historical settings and the philosophical questions that Addie’s predicament raises.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes character-driven, introspective fantasy. For example, if you like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, you should read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

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