Play Book Tag discussion

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V E Schwab
Book on CD performed by Julia Whelan
4****

In 1714, a young woman flees from the planned / arranged marriage and begs the gods to release her. She’d been warned about praying to the gods who answer after dark, but in her panic failed to notice the sun had set. Luc grants her wish – immortality and freedom – but …

What a wonderful, engaging story. I was completely captivated. And while I’ve grown to hate the ubiquitous dual timeline, in this case it was necessary, for how else to tell the story of “invisible” Addie LaRue, and her Faustian bargain? She will remain twenty-three years old in appearance despite living more than three centuries, but no one will remember her. She cannot make a mark in the world, cannot draw a picture or write a word, or even utter her own name. Until ….

I loved how Schwab lets the reader discover Addie’s gifts – her tenacity, resourcefulness, cleverness, cunning, and compassion – over the course of the novel. Addie may not age, and she may not be remembered by those she encounters, but she learns and matures and grows into a formidable adversary to the god of darkness.

And I loved Henry Strauss, though he is more a supporting character than a main one. Still, I love how Henry helped her win one battle against Luc.

The ending is a bit bittersweet, but perfect. And while I hate cliffhangers that force the reader to read a second installment to find out what happens next, the ambiguous ending of this one left me eager for a follow-up!

Julia Whelan does a marvelous job of performing the audiobook. Her voice for Luc was particularly effective.


LINK to my review

One of my lifetime favorite books - I could teach a course springing from this! So glad you liked it.

For me I don't want a sequel, ever. It would I think diminish the book, making it just another fantasy series. This is one of the best Faust adaptations -- in any form - that I have ever experienced, and there have been quite a few. I think part of that is how well Schwab also built in an adaptation of the myth of Persephone, which of course is a story that has no end. (view spoiler)[ Plus she's now remembered - she has taken control of the bargain. (hide spoiler)]

Although, Schwab could have Luc and Addie making cameo appearances in other series set in our world.

If you ever do have a course or a lecture on this book, I would come in for that. I would so love to hear your course on Addie.

This was a terrific story. One of my favorites the year I read it. Great for discussion, or a course!