For many of the books I read, I don’t take the time to write a review for them, even though I think doing so would be a worth while enterprise. I do come across books that I feel I need to say something about from time to time though and this story is one of them.
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” was a beautiful novel that ended up suprising me. Initially, based on the premise, I did think I would enjoy the story but there was nothing that made me think it would be a special experience to read it, something that I would think about even after moving on to the next book on my TBR list. What a magical experience it was for this to happen and for this book to cross my path.
From the moment Adeline’s story began a mystery was set in motion as two timelines in her life converge on a moment of great consequence to her; simply put, she is remembered. Her life is a string of challenges and suffering as a result of her deal to live free and unhindered by anyone, becoming herself not quite human any longer, at least how we understand one. She has to subvert the force she contracted with only to find that one person who finally fulfills that greatest need of hers: to be remembered and to truly be seen again.
The greater mystery is why. Why can this man, this anamoly, this Henry, remember her? Its a story of balance and other worldly forces brought upon by calling on a deity in the dark and making a deal to escape a life she didn’t want despite the warnings of doing so. It is a story of fate and the consequences of seeking divine intervention. It is a story of love.
Reading this was a spectacular ride whose true scope of beauty wasn’t realized until the very end, yet glimmering the whole way through. I cannot wait to see what VE Schwab has planned for us next. Check it out and enjoy!
Chris Kauzlarich 