There’s something exquisitely mysterious about this book. It’s the kind of novel that slips into your periphery as you read, so that you feel it following you around, haunting your every step. It’s the kind of novel you think you’ve witnessed before- and yet I can guarantee you’ve never seen it play out quite like this. Because, while V E Schwab has always been a very clever writer, this is the cleverest of her works.
The story, on the surface, appears to be simple: girl makes a dangerous wish and is cursed with unforeseen circumstances. However, there’s nothing straightforward about this from the start. You see, the deal itself is a curious affair. Yes, in the typical fairy tale tradition the catch costs her everything. Yes, the consequences fit the request. Yes, the devilish antagonist behind all this pulls the strings to torment her throughout. Still, there’s a part of this particular curse that ties the darkness to her, making the binds a little more complex. Unlike any other story of this nature, the deal touches both parties.
And a lot of this comes down to the fact that Addie Larue is an entirely enigmatic character. She’s a complicated protagonist, brought to life with memorable details, from the constellation of freckles on her face to the dreams she holds close to her harrowing suffering. And still, I haven’t come close to covering who she is.
Twining her life with art, we see that she is the ultimate muse. Wherever she walks she brings inspiration. Though she is frozen in time, unable to change, she does develop over the course of the narrative. It’s a subtle change, keeping the core of the character intact, but shifting her attitudes so she’s a better, bolder version of herself. I loved this expansion of confidence. And I admired how it showed her creative streak in more ways than one. And I liked how it twined with her constantly budding relationships.
Speaking of relationships, there are many that were powerfully explored. Not just romantic relationships. Friendships were given space to bloom. Romance is often featured in the book- and yet for me it was the friendships that will stand the test of time.
Even better, there is a plot worth selling your soul for. I glided through the book, unable to put it down, though I thought the path it was taking was clear. Of course, in typical Schwab fashion, she pulled a blinder at the end. Unusual, unexpected and an absolute stroke of brilliance, the ending is *perfection*. The more I think about it, the better it becomes. And I would love to talk about this in more depth- but I won’t for fear of *spoilers*. It’s the kind of story you have to watch out for yourself. One thing’s for certain: I won’t be forgetting this book in a hurry.
Rating: 5/5 bananas
So, have you read The Invisible Life of Addie Larue? Can you see yourself picking it up? Let me know in the comments!
I started reading the book … back in October? I am still frozen at 12%. Somehow, as magic as everyone said this book is, I am not feeling it at all and I don’t know why. I am hoping it was just a mood thing and that I will love it too once I get back to it. 5 out of 5 bananas means a lot in my book.
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Oh no! That’s a pity! But totally fair! It could be a mood thing!
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I did finish it this month, but I have to admit that it still wasn’t that fantastic of a read for me. Very disappointing haha
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Oh that’s a pity!
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Intriguing review! The book sounds wonderful. I will check it out.
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It was! Highly recommend giving it a go!
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So glad you loved it and I totally agree, was unforgettable!
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Ah yes!!
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Sounds like a neat book! I haven’t heard too much about this one yet, but I’ll put it on my list to look into.
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Oh definitely recommend!!
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I picked up the ebook, and hope to get to it soon! It sounds really cool.
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Loved this! It’s in my top 3 of 2020!
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Me too!! 😀
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I am currently reading this so I didn’t make it past the second paragraph of your review (shunning spoilers) but I wish I could describe what books feel like as well as you do!!
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Ah fair! I think this is better to go into as blind as possible!! Aww thank you!! ❤
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5 entire bananas?! This definitely sounds like an exciting book. I’ve been seeing The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue everywhere, but I wasn’t sure it was worth the hype. Now I know it most certainly is. Your review is GREAT; I love how you hint at all these details and manage to convey the quality of the book without giving anything away.
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hehe! It was!! I definitely thought it was!! Thank you so much!! ❤
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I haven’t read it yet but I really want to!
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Highly recommend!! 😀
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I see this book everywhere even tho I don’t see myself picking this one 🤔 but the plot is really intriguing.
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Oh it was really good!! Highly recommend!!
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I’ve seen so many people raving about this, but I’ve been skeptical because I didn’t love Schwab’s one middle grade book I read, but if you think it’s good too, maybe I should listen! 😀
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Ah well if it helps, I didn’t love her middle grade either 😉 (or her YA series in the end) I think she excels most at adult.
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Really nice review! “Slips into your periphery as you read” is a beautiful description of Addie’s magic!
I think Schwab’s book that comes closest to Addie is This Savage Song … in the poetic tone, and August’s struggles with his (non)humanity. But, yeah. Heartily agree that this is her masterpiece. It’s so stunning.
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Thank you!!
I did like the tone in that- I agree! It is!!
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I am definitely going to read it, I think I would start reading Schwab with this one only…
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Oh brilliant! haha that’s a good call!
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Great review! I absolutely love this book!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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Thank you! So glad you agree!! 😀
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Oh dear – another tbr. My writing group may not get a story this month 😦
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hahaha! That’s what december is for- growing your tbr like mad!! 😉
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I am always do happy to hear this book is worth all the excitement surrounding it! I haven’t picked it up yet – I’m saving it for when I have a bit more headspace to really treat myself to it. Do you think it signifies a bit of a departure for Schwab? It sounds so different to me than her previous works
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Yes!! me too!! ah I get that! I think it was different- but also the pinnacle of her work and style!
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This is on my TBR. Should I move it up in the rankings of what should be read soon?
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Oh it’s definitely worth reading!! I’d bump it up 😉
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Will do!
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Ooh, thanks for sharing this! I’ve been in a reading slump lately and I’m looking for new recommendations. This might be the next book I pick up. 😁
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Oh this is perfect to get you out of a slump! 😀
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Wonderful review! I loved this book so much, and you really capture the magic of it!
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Thank you so much!! So glad you loved it too!! 😀 ❤
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I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it or not, since some review or another discouraged me, but I might decide to give it a chance now.
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Ah fair- but I think worth giving a go!!
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Okay, I think I’m officially sold on the book now after reading your review. I’ve been seeing so much hype about this all over bookstagram, other blog posts, goodreads, etc, but I think knowing now that you liked it this much has convinced me. I trust you 😉 Definitely going to add this to my TBR now haha!
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Ah I’m really happy to hear that! Haha thank you!! 😀
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Totally agreed!
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Ah glad you agree! 😀
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Unforgettable is such a good way to describe this book, and so fitting for Addie’s predicament! You’ve honestly taken the words right out of my heart. This was an outstanding book, and while I thought I could see where it was going, I was dead wrong, and that made the ending so much more satisfying than I’d even expected. This was just, again, a testament to how superb of a writer Schwab is, and I’m forever going to be consuming (and being consumed by, realistically) anything and everything she does. Thank you for this excellent review!
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Ah thank you!! I’m so so glad you agree! Me too! This took some really brave and unexpected turns- I loved that about it. Absolutely agree!! Thank you!!
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Man… now I have to add another book to the TBR pile! Thanks!
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hehehe sorry about that 😉 (but not that sorry 😉 )
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Great review, I have never had any interest in picking up a V.E. Schwab book before but this one sounds really good and has been getting so many amazing reviews that I need to give it a shot 💜💜
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Thank you! Oh this is such a good place to start with Schwab!! ❤
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