Recently I had the absolute pleasure of reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V. E. Schwab. A deeply philosophical novel with a slightly disappointing ending, The Invisible Life… had me completely invested from start to finish. The novel stars a character who naively makes a deal with the “devil,” exchanging her soul for the ability to live forever, with the unforeseen caveat of being forgotten instantly by everyone she meets. Whether in a coffee shop in modern New York, or wandering the streets of war-torn Paris, Addie’s existence is retained only so long as she remains in others’ sight: the second they walk out a doorway or turn around a corner, Addie’s presence is forgotten.
The novel poses significant questions relating to the impermanence of life, and the importance of a legacy; Addie spends much of her time influencing artists, musicians, and writers to include her in their stories—guaranteeing her presence in history for decades to come—despite the fact that not a single person remembers her actual existence. The book seems to echo the age-old question: if a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around, did it truly make a sound? If Addie LaRue cannot make a mark on the world around her, does she truly exist? Do we truly exist if we fail to leave a legacy behind?
Beyond the philosophical nature of the book, it was also a sweet romance, with a well-developed love interest, unexpected twists, and a bittersweet ending. The book did move somewhat slowly, and is very long, so I wouldn’t pick it up if you can’t commit to the slow-burn plot. Fortunately, this is somewhat made up for by the unpredictable nature of the story; it jumps around from year to year and character to character, seemingly randomly, keeping you anticipating the next chapter. Plus, it includes an adorable cat, amazing queer representation, and a couple of tear-jerker moments.If you’re looking for a spring read with a well-developed fantasy plot, a hint of romance, and a good old-fashioned twist, try “]The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and let me know what you think.