Book Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Short review: I love this book and it will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Long review: Admittedly, this is my first V. E. Schwab book, but after reaching halfway through, I bought the Monsters of Verity Duology and Villains Duology (though apparently a third one is in the works). Schwab’s writing is phenomenal and beautiful. Some phrases and descriptions struck me with how unique they were and blew me away. Though Addie LaRue is a book I believe everyone should read, it is deceptively long. From the outside, it seems like a regular sized book at 442 pages. However, after reaching the halfway point, I had this weird feeling that I should have finished it already. Every word was necessary, yet it also seemed to drag on. So, I looked into it.

Based on the audio book, Addie LaRue is estimated between 132,000 and 148,000 words. Both of those are far greater than the average 80,000 word novels I read. Upon realizing it, I eased back in and ended up devouring this book. Addie’s character is both ethereal in her predicament to always be forgotten after a deal with a god after dark turns out to be a deal with the devil. She can’t say her name, can’t write anything as it disappears, and can’t keep things long before they end up missing. Despite this, she’s a relatable person with everything she does. Her desire to leave a mark on the world resonates a lot with me, who wants to leave a mark through writing.

Then we have Henry. He’s a little bland compared to Addie, but still sticks out. His desire to be loved, from his family, friends, and romantic partners, is a basic human one and spoke to me on a deep level. His obsession with not having enough time to do everything you love also hits home. And unlike everyone else, he is able to remember Addie when she attempts to steal a book from the store he works at.

We also get a look at the devil, who takes on the name Luc. He appears every year to try and get Addie to give in and relinquish her soul to him, completing their deal. Whenever Luc is in a scene, he takes center stage and he knows it. I love a good villain and that’s what Luc is.

I don’t want to spoil what else happens, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. 5/5 dreamers.

Get the book here

Happy writing and reading to you all! What was your favorite book you read in 2020?