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

I present to you, for your consideration, one of my absolute favourite reads of 2021: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Although technically a fantasy, this novel is mostly rooted in romance and drama and is grounded by the relatability of its characters. So, even if you normally aren't a huge fantasy fan, I would still urge you to give this book a chance.

Essentially, the book is about a young woman - Adeline LaRue - born in France in the early 1700s. Addie is unhappy with her life in which she has little agency and is desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a man she does not love. She prays to find a way out, and though against the instructions of a wise older woman from her village, makes a deal with a "God of the night", whom Addie refers to as Luc. This is where the fantasy element comes in. In her faustian deal, Addie gains the life she always wanted - an immortal life free of any ties to another person - with the caveat being that nobody will ever remember her. In terms of fantasy, the "magic" really stops here. She simply lives forever, but is cursed to always be forgotten. I think even the most novice fantasy reader shouldn't have a hard time accepting this and appreciating the story for what it really is: one of loneliness, grief, and resilience. The book follows Addie as she navigates her liberated, yet tragic life, moving from 1700s France all the way up to 2014 New York City where she meets a man, Henry, who is the first person in three centuries to remember her.

What I really loved most about this book was the main character. Addie is strong-willed and likeable, yet far from perfect, making her feel incredibly authentic. And yes, the book might be a romance, however Addie is not seeking romance. Her life in itself is romantic in part because of how tragic it is. She is a woman desperately trying to leave her mark on the world, so you can't help but root for her. You truly come to feel Addie's despair as she is unable to establish any lasting relationships; her pain expertly translated through V. E. Schwab's stunning and thoughtful writing. Moreover, the book would fail entirely if the rules of the "magic" were not sound or if any solution were obvious. However, V. E. Schwab is an expert in world-crafting and makes sure to avoid this pitfall. The fact is that Addie is helpless; there is nothing she or the reader can see to get her out of her devastating predicament. However, Addie is cunning and learns of the ways in which she can make an impact; appearing throughout history in art and music as the mysterious and ephemeral muse of several artists that meet her. The art Addie inspires (hint: do not skip over the chapter introductions) is used as a subtle motif throughout the novel that gives us an idea of just how affecting Addie truly is; the traces she leaves behind reminding us she is invisible, but ever-present.

Honestly I can't praise this novel enough. I think it really has something for everyone. Romance. Fantasy. Mystery. Art. It even expertly ties into real-world events to give the history buffs a little something to be excited about. I won't say anything else about the plot, as it would ruin some of the fun. What I will say is that this isn't just some typical fantasy/romance novel. I personally didn't find the story to be predictable at all, but rather, its twists and turns are pulled off with the class and expertise of a particularly clever magic trick. For me, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue cemented itself as an instant timeless classic. It walks a fine line between cheesy romance novel and poetic genius, and that line might be finer than you would expect. With this novel, V. E. Schwab has achieved a seemingly impossible feat: to have all the beauty and wonder of a modern day fairy tale, yet the maturity and emotional resonance of a Shakespearean tragedy.

Favourite Quote: “Because time is cruel to all, and crueler still to artists. Because visions weaken, and voices wither, and talent fades.... Because happiness is brief, and history is lasting, and in the end... everyone wants to be remembered”.