64 pages • 2 hours read
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
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Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
Multiple Locations • 1700s - 2010s
2020
Adult
18+ years
900L
Super Short Summary
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, published in 2020, tells the story of an 18th-century Frenchwoman, Addie LaRue, who makes a deal with a demonic entity for eternal life, only to find that everyone she meets immediately forgets her, until she encounters a young bookseller named Henry in modern-day New York City who remembers her.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Fantastical
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,267,107 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab captivates with its imaginative narrative and well-developed characters, drawing praise for its poetic prose and emotional depth. Critics appreciate the novel's intricate exploration of memory and identity, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a compelling blend of fantasy and existential reflection.
Who Should Read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue?
Readers who relish soul-stirring fantasy and character-driven narratives, akin to Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane or Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, will be captivated by V. E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. The novel appeals to those intrigued by timeless themes of identity and defiance against the constraints of fate.
1,267,107 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Henry Strauss
Henry Strauss
A New York bookseller who is the only person able to remember Addie, providing her with the companionship and intimacy she craves.
Luc/The Stranger
Luc/The Stranger
The supernatural entity who grants Addie eternal life in exchange for her soul. He is characterized by his desire to control and possess Addie.
Estele
Estele
Addie's elderly neighbor in Villon, who inspires Addie with her lifestyle and teachings about the old gods.
Remy Laurent
Remy Laurent
A minor character representing the contrast between Addie's lack of freedom and the ease with which men can escape their circumstances.
448
Novel • Fiction
Multiple Locations • 1700s - 2010s
2020
Adult
18+ years
900L
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