“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” is a novel written by V.E. Schwab that explores the idea of immortality and the price that comes with it. The story is told through the eyes of Addie LaRue, a young woman who makes a deal with a god-like being and becomes immortal, but at the cost of being forgotten by everyone she meets.
Plot Summary
In 1714, Addie LaRue, a young woman living in a small French village, makes a deal with a god-like being known as “Luc” or “the darkness” in exchange for freedom. She wants to be able to live her life on her own terms and never be forced into a marriage she doesn’t want. The catch is that Addie will be immortal, but she will also be forgotten by everyone she meets. No one will ever remember her, and she will never be able to leave a lasting mark on the world.
Addie spends the next three hundred years traveling the world, trying to make a life for herself, but always being forced to start over again as everyone forgets her. That is until she meets Henry Daugherty, a young man in New York City who remembers her after their first encounter. This changes everything for Addie, and she realizes that she may have finally found someone who can help her break the curse and be remembered.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Characters
Addie LaRue is the protagonist of the story. She is a strong-willed young woman who refuses to conform to society’s expectations of her. She is also brave and resourceful, as she spends centuries traveling the world alone and surviving on her own.
Luc, also known as “the darkness,” is the god-like being that Addie makes a deal with. He is a mysterious and manipulative character who seems to enjoy playing games with mortals.
Henry Daugherty is a young man in New York City who remembers Addie after their first encounter. He is kind, compassionate, and creative. He is also dealing with his own struggles, including depression and artistic blockage.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Themes
One of the main themes of the novel is the idea of immortality and the price that comes with it. Addie is forced to live forever, but she is also condemned to a life of loneliness and isolation as no one can remember her.
Another theme is the power of memory and the importance of leaving a legacy. Addie’s inability to leave a lasting mark on the world forces her to confront the idea of legacy and what it means to be remembered.
Writing Style
V.E. Schwab’s writing style is lyrical and atmospheric. She uses vivid descriptions and sensory details to bring the world of Addie LaRue to life. The story is told through alternating perspectives, with chapters switching between Addie’s past and present. This structure helps to build suspense and create a sense of mystery around Addie’s curse and how she may be able to break it.
Conclusion
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” is a beautifully written novel that explores the themes of immortality, memory, and legacy. The characters are well-developed, and the story is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. It is a must-read for anyone interested in speculative fiction and the human condition.