Book Review: THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE by V.E. Schwab

THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE by V. E. Schwab (Tor Books, April 2023)  Trade Paperback, 448 pages 

Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .

France, 1714: In a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever—and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. 

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world. 

But everything changes when, after nearly three hundred years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

My Five-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

"Belief is a bit like gravity. Enough people believe a thing, and it becomes as solid and real as the ground beneath your feet. But when you're the only one holding onto an idea, a memory, a girl, it's hard to keep it from floating away." 

     V.E. Schwab is an incredibly gifted writer, capable of detailing some incredibly visual and emotional scenes, as well as clearly conveying the point-of-view of her major characters. I have not read everything in her catalog, but I believe this is a masterpiece. 

      The premise that the story revolves around is fresh and full of potential, a Faustian bargain that grants immortality while also denying the wish maker (Addie Larue) any recognition or ability to create memory for others.

Not fully realizing what she was asking for, Addie has lived for over 300 years, only able to make friends or acquaintances for as long as she remains in view. It becomes a stubborn war of endurance between wish maker and the devilish wish granter. Lonely and unable to establish any ties, she roams 1700's France (and other countries later in the story) eventually settling in New York City in 2014 when a male bookseller (Henry) surprisingly remembers her. 

     This could easily have been a longer, bloated novel had Schawb decided to chronicle Addie's life and observations through many historical events over the ages. That does occur in some significant time periods but the scenes and chapters are brief and make their points quickly. Because that is not at the heart of the novel.

     This is a romance novel, chronicling two separate and very different types of love and relationships. 

     I could only think of one way for the novel to end, and I was pleasantly surprised by the extremely satisfying solution that Schwab decided upon. Addie LaRue is inventive, clever, delightful, and unforgettable. The journey is heartbreaking and joyful at the same time. This is a novel to re-read, to share with friends, to discuss and marvel at. Brilliant.