The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab is a captivating tale of immortality and the enduring power of human connection. Addie, a young woman in 1714 France, makes a fateful bargain with the Dark that grants her eternal life but curses her to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Key Themes:
Identity and Memory: Addie’s struggle to maintain her identity and leave a lasting mark on the world despite being constantly forgotten.
Love and Connection: Addie’s search for meaningful relationships and the challenges of finding lasting love when no one remembers her.
The Passage of Time: The novel explores the themes of time, mortality, and the fleeting nature of human existence.
Plot Points:
The Bargain: Addie, desperate to escape a forced marriage, makes a deal with the Dark that grants her immortality but robs her of memory.
Centuries of Solitude: Addie spends centuries wandering the world, constantly forgotten by those she meets.
A Chance Encounter: Addie meets a man named Henry in modern-day New York City who seems to remember her.
The Dark’s Return: The Dark reappears, demanding Addie’s soul in exchange for her immortality.
The Power of Memory: Addie fights to preserve her memories and connections, ultimately challenging the Dark’s power.
Characters:
Addie LaRue: The protagonist, a woman cursed with immortality and forgotten by the world.
Henry Strauss: A young man who seems to remember Addie, despite her curse.
The Dark: The mysterious entity who grants Addie immortality in exchange for her soul.
Overall Impression:
Schwab’s writing is evocative and immersive, drawing readers into Addie’s world and her centuries-long journey. The novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. While some readers may find the pacing slow at times, the rich character development and thought-provoking themes make it a rewarding read.