The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue novel review 2023 - retoreview

The novel opens with Addie LaRue, a young woman living in 18th century France, praying to the gods for a way out of her oppressive life. In response, she is approached by a god, who offers her immortality in exchange for her soul. Addie agrees to the deal, but on one condition: that she will not be forgotten by anyone she meets.

For the next three centuries, Addie wanders the world, unable to leave any mark on it or form any lasting relationships. She learns to survive by stealing, living off the land, and evading capture. She becomes adept at adapting to different cultures and languages, but she always remains an outsider. 

In modern-day New York, Addie meets a young man named Henry, who works at a bookstore. For the first time in centuries, Addie begins to feel seen and understood. But as their relationship deepens, Addie realizes that she cannot stay with him, as the curse will eventually make him forget her.

Addie's story is interspersed with flashbacks to her life before the deal, including her tumultuous relationship with her parents and her doomed love affair with a young artist named Estienne. Through these flashbacks, the reader learns about the circumstances that led Addie to make the deal with the god, as well as the sacrifices she has made to survive as an immortal.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue explores a number of themes, including love, loneliness, identity, and the pursuit of freedom. One of the central themes of the novel is the search for connection and meaning in a world that is indifferent to one's existence. Addie's curse prevents her from forming any lasting relationships or leaving any lasting impact on the world, which leads her to feel isolated and alone. However, her relationship with Henry offers her a glimmer of hope and a sense of belonging, even if it is ultimately fleeting. Another key theme of the novel is the idea of identity and the construction of the self.

Addie's curse forces her to constantly reinvent herself and adapt to new circumstances in order to survive. She becomes a master of disguise, changing her appearance and mannerisms to fit in with different cultures and time periods. However, this constant reinvention comes at a cost, as Addie is never able to truly be herself or form any lasting sense of identity. The pursuit of freedom is also a prominent theme in the novel. Addie's deal with the god grants her immortality, but it also comes with a curse that robs her of her agency and ability to impact the world around her. Throughout the novel, Addie struggles to find a way to break the curse and regain her freedom. This struggle is mirrored in her relationship with Henry, as she must choose between the freedom of being able to live her life as she pleases and the security of a relationship with someone who understands her.

V.E. Schwab's writing style in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is lyrical and introspective, with a focus on sensory details and the emotional landscape of the characters. The novel is told from Addie's perspective, which allows the reader to experience her thoughts and feelings in a deep and intimate way. Schwab's prose is often poetic and evocative, with vivid descriptions of nature, art, and emotion.

The novel also employs a nonlinear narrative structure, with frequent flashbacks to different moments in Addie's past. These flashbacks provide context for Addie's current situation and allow the reader to see how her experiences have shaped her. The structure also creates a sense of suspense and mystery, as the reader is slowly piecing together Addie's story and the true nature of her curse.

Schwab also uses a number of literary devices to enhance the emotional impact of the story. One of the most prominent of these is repetition, with certain phrases and images recurring throughout the novel. For example, Addie frequently muses on the idea of being forgotten, and this theme is echoed in descriptions of the natural world, such as the fading light of a sunset or the eroding power of the sea. This repetition creates a sense of continuity and resonance throughout the novel.

Another device that Schwab uses effectively is symbolism. The novel is filled with symbols that represent different aspects of Addie's identity and experiences. For example, the apple tree that appears throughout the novel represents Addie's connection to nature and the cycles of life and death. The tarot cards that she uses to communicate with the god who granted her immortality represent the unpredictable and arbitrary nature of fate.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue has been widely praised for its lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and poignant exploration of themes such as love, identity, and freedom. Critics have lauded Schwab's skill at creating a complex and nuanced protagonist in Addie, as well as her ability to weave together different timelines and narrative threads into a cohesive whole. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its examination of the nature of memory and the ways in which it shapes our identities. Addie's curse prevents her from being remembered by anyone she meets, which leads her to feel a sense of disconnection from the world around her.

However, the novel also suggests that memory can be a double-edged sword, as it can trap us in the past and prevent us from moving forward. This theme is particularly resonant in light of recent discussions about the role of memory and history in contemporary society. Another strength of the novel is its exploration of the relationship between love and freedom. Addie's curse prevents her from forming any lasting relationships, which leads her to feel isolated and alone. However, her relationship with Henry offers her a glimpse of happiness and a sense of belonging, even if it is ultimately fleeting. The novel suggests that love and freedom are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but that they require a delicate balance in order to coexist.

Some critics have noted that the novel can be slow-paced at times, particularly in the early sections that focus on Addie's life in 18th century France. However, others have argued that the slow build-up is necessary in order to fully establish Addie's character and set the stage for the later sections of the novel.

Overall, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores a wide range of themes, from love and loneliness to identity and freedom. V.E. Schwab's skillful use of language, symbolism, and narrative structure creates a rich and immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final page. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates literary fiction that explores the complexities of the human experience.