Book Review - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7486121389
My only regret is that I didn’t listen to the audiobook. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab is beautiful, thought-provoking, and absolutely lyrical.
So lyrical and intricately- crafted, in fact, that listening to this book would’ve been spectacular. I find that I process book formats in different ways; some stories work better as words on a page, and others come to life as I listen to the talented narrator(s). Nevertheless, such was the quality of the prose and the voices of Addie and Henry that I utterly enjoyed myself regardless.
The story itself is compelling, inspiring, and bittersweet. Despite possessing a vague understanding of the plot going into the book, I was surprised and dismayed at the particulars of Addie’s curse. The fact that she holds steady for three hundred years, that she does not surrender, is most definitely a hard-won feat.
The many intertwining themes of the book are powerful and thought-provoking, speaking to those of us who worry at time flying by while we stay trapped and stagnant, wanting to experience everything yet not knowing how to savour each moment. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is about many things; resilience, navigating double-edged circumstances, the nature of love and possession – as well as what it is to exist and leave your mark on the world. As a writer, the commentary on art, on legacy, on inspiration, all hit hard. I have many thoughts and feelings to chew over and explore, ensuring that Addie’s story lingers in my mind long after the final page.
Most importantly, reading this book was a balm. A welcome reprieve. Each time I put it down, needing to regretfully attend to real-life tasks – and wanting to savour every bit of this story, rather than rushing through it too quickly – I was left with the sensation of peace embracing my entire being. Every time I closed the cover, even when I’d finally reached the end, my day was made brighter. I’m not sure if it was due to the plot, the prose, the themes, or all of the above, but I am grateful nonetheless. Not every book is able to soothe and replenish the way The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was able to do for me, and that is power in and of itself.
The only part I personally disliked was the in-universe understanding that many of history’s great artists were such because they made a deal – just as Addie did – much like Addie did – with the darkness. I’m not sure what to make of that, as a writer. Is it commentary on talent, or perhaps fame – that making a deal with the devil is a metaphor, an externalization, of the unfortunate aspect of luck in “making it” and getting to leave your mark on the world? Food for thought, I suppose. Nevertheless, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a true experience, and that ending was pure defiant and gratifying perfection.
I am very glad and proud that I finally read the book that had been sitting on my shelf, pretty and patient and beckoning. In a way, I knew so much about this book already, despite knowing very few plot and story and character details. I’m a huge admirer of V. E. Schwab’s newsletter, and Schwab’s thoughts and feelings regarding this book feature quite frequently. What a lovely feeling to finally read it, to fully share in the hope and fear and joy of this story.
The newsletter itself, The Visible Life of V.E. Schwab, is an amazing monthly newsletter that never fails to satisfy and inspire me. In fact, the passion and the very craft of these monthly missives was undoubtedly a great inspiration for starting my own newsletter.
Gallant was my first V. E. Schwab book, and I knew it would not be my last. The question of which book would be my second V.E. Schwab book has now been answered. I am pleased to say that this book very much does live up to its hype and popularity. Now, as Addie’s character and story live on in my heart, the only thing left to decide is which story will be my third.