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

Sometimes, a book can feel like slipping into a beautifully crafted dream—a dream filled with whimsy, magic, and, occasionally, a bit of darkness. That’s exactly what The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab offers its readers. It’s a story about the cost of freedom, the pain of being forgotten, and the enduring power of human connection. For me, it was a mix of Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart but with a spicier twist. 🌶️ While I found parts of the novel a bit drawn out, there’s no denying its beautifully crafted narrative and the intrigue that kept me reading through to the end.

The Story: An Immortal Life, A Forgotten Soul

The book opens with a seemingly simple but powerful premise: a young woman named Adeline “Addie” LaRue, living in 18th-century France, makes a Faustian bargain. Desperate to escape an unwanted marriage and the confines of her provincial life, she asks for more time. The price? Addie gets her freedom—immortality, no less—but in return, she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

This curse leaves Addie in a surreal, liminal space where she is able to live freely, unburdened by societal expectations or the need to settle down, but she also loses the ability to make any lasting connections. As soon as she leaves a room, everyone she’s met forgets her existence. The loneliness that comes with this is palpable and tugs at your heartstrings. You feel for Addie’s isolation as she drifts through time, unable to leave a mark on the world or form lasting relationships.

While the plot isn’t necessarily action-packed, it weaves through centuries, following Addie as she navigates her cursed life, encountering historical figures, living through revolutions, and watching the world change around her. But the real crux of the story arrives in present-day New York when Addie meets someone who, for the first time in 300 years, remembers her.

Familiar Tropes with a Twist

If you’re familiar with books like Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, you’ll recognize the elements of magic, immortality, and bargains with dark, mysterious forces. In Addie LaRue, the devil-like character, Luc, is at the center of the drama, serving as both villain and lover. The tension between Addie and Luc is where the book brings in its spicy edge. Luc is seductive, dangerous, and wields immense power, which adds a layer of intrigue and intensity to Addie’s immortal life.

But, at its heart, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is less about romance and more about the consequences of a deal with the devil. The spice here isn’t the focal point but a narrative element that elevates the stakes and keeps the reader invested in Addie’s emotional journey.

That said, one of my gripes with the book was its length. At 448 pages, I felt that the story could have been trimmed down by about 100 pages. There were stretches, especially in the middle, where the pacing slowed, and I found myself wishing the story would move forward a little quicker. Some scenes felt repetitive, and while they were beautifully written, they didn’t always add much to the narrative or character development. The story definitely has a reflective tone, but at times it seemed to drag on, causing me to stop enjoying myself during certain sections.

Well-Written and Immersive

Despite my issues with the pacing, there’s no denying V.E. Schwab’s talent as a writer. The prose is lush and poetic, with descriptive passages that transport you across centuries and continents. From the cobblestone streets of 18th-century France to the bustling, modern-day cityscape of New York, Schwab makes every scene come alive.

Her writing style is immersive, pulling you deep into Addie’s world and her internal struggle. There are moments of quiet beauty in the novel, where the prose reflects on deeper themes of existence, memory, and the human desire to be known. Schwab captures the bittersweet essence of Addie’s life, balancing her desire for freedom with the crushing weight of her solitude.

Themes of Freedom, Loneliness, and Legacy

One of the central themes of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is the idea of freedom versus loneliness. In gaining her freedom, Addie sacrifices the very thing that makes life meaningful: connection with others. She cannot form relationships, be remembered, or leave any trace of herself behind. As she walks through centuries, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of her existence. Her curse—immortality with anonymity—is both a gift and a prison.

Addie’s journey explores how we define meaning in life. Is it through the marks we leave behind or the moments we live? This is a question the novel grapples with, often leaving the reader reflecting on what makes life worth living.

Additionally, the relationship between Addie and Luc adds a fascinating dynamic to the story. Luc represents temptation, the darkness that lurks in the background of Addie’s freedom. Their relationship is complex—sometimes adversarial, sometimes seductive, and always charged with tension. It’s a dance between freedom and control, love and manipulation.

While the themes are compelling, the story becomes somewhat predictable. As someone who reads a lot of fantasy and stories involving magical bargains, I saw some of the twists coming from a mile away. However, that didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment too much, and there were a few unexpected turns that kept me intrigued.

Is It Worth the Read?

Despite its slower pace in the middle and some predictability, I would definitely recommend The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue to anyone who has it on their TBR. It’s a unique and haunting story that lingers with you long after you’ve finished the last page. Schwab’s writing style is beautiful, the premise is intriguing, and the themes are deep and thought-provoking.

For readers who enjoy a mix of historical and contemporary settings, magical realism, and characters with rich internal lives, this book is a must-read. While it shares elements with books like Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue stands on its own as a more introspective, character-driven tale.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, plot-heavy book, this may not be for you. But if you enjoy a slow-burn story with lush prose, emotional depth, and a touch of romance, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a great read, even if it could have been a bit shorter. It’s a beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that explores themes of freedom, loneliness, and legacy. While it may not be a five-star read for me due to the pacing issues, it still left a lasting impression. It’s worth diving into, especially if you enjoy stories about magical bargains, immortal characters, and timeless love.

So, if you’re ready for a slightly spicy, whimsical, and thought-provoking journey, add The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue to your reading list—you won’t regret it.