The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Suggested Age: Adults, Teens
What is This Book About?: In 1714 France, a young Adeline LaRue lives in a small town. She wishes to have a more exciting life than one destined for a typical young woman in the village. One night, in desperation, she prays to a god to live rather than be trapped in an arranged marriage. Her wish is granted; however, she is is cursed to live forever and immediately forgotten by everyone she meets. The book goes back and forth in time. We see Addie in the beginning, struggling to survive even after her own family didn’t remember her. Then it flashes back to the present where Addie has adapted to her challenges, but is still saddened that she cannot keep lasting relationships. But, one day, the status quo changes when Addie meets someone who has more in common with her than meets the eye.
My Review: I picked up this book after it had been heavily praised on social media. The beginning is slightly slow until the main plot kicks in at about halfway through the novel. I really enjoyed Schwab’s poetic writing style and the plot twists she introduces towards the end of the novel are great. I like historical fiction and this switches back and forth from that to a modern romance. It is very tragic and painful, especially the chapters that cover Addie’s time in France. Remember, she is quickly forgotten by everyone she meets. If you enjoy genre blenders, you will like this novel as it has a little romance, fantasy, and historical fiction all in one.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Tragic, Romantic, Poetic
Give This a Try if You Like… The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, The Loneliest Girl in the Universe
by Lauren James, All the Lives We Ever Lived by Katharine Smyth
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.
