The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, published in 2020, tells the story of an 18th-century Frenchwoman, Addie LaRue, who makes a deal with a demonic entity for eternal life, only to find that everyone she meets immediately forgets her, until she encounters a young bookseller named Henry in modern-day New York City who remembers her.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab captivates with its imaginative narrative and well-developed characters, drawing praise for its poetic prose and emotional depth. Critics appreciate the novel's intricate exploration of memory and identity, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a compelling blend of fantasy and existential reflection.

Readers who relish soul-stirring fantasy and character-driven narratives, akin to Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane or Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, will be captivated by V. E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. The novel appeals to those intrigued by timeless themes of identity and defiance against the constraints of fate.

Mysterious / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Fantastical / Contemplative

- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue had been an idea in V. E. Schwab's mind for nearly a decade before it was finally published in 2020.
- The book offers a unique take on themes of immortality and memory, receiving widespread acclaim and making it onto numerous best-seller lists after its release.
- V. E. Schwab’s inspiration for the story stemmed from both real-world art and her fascination with the concept of time, highlighting how people's stories and actions can impact the world even if they are forgotten.

**Addie LaRue**  
The protagonist of *The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue*, Addie is a young Frenchwoman from Villon-sur-Sarthe who makes a deal with a supernatural entity for eternal life. However, this bargain comes with the curse that no one remembers her.

**Henry Strauss**  
A New York bookseller who is the only person able to remember Addie, providing her with the companionship and intimacy she craves.

**Luc/The Stranger**  
The supernatural entity who grants Addie eternal life in exchange for her soul. He is characterized by his desire to control and possess Addie.

**Estele**  
Addie's elderly neighbor in Villon, who inspires Addie with her lifestyle and teachings about the old gods.

**Remy Laurent**  
A minor character representing the contrast between Addie's lack of freedom and the ease with which men can escape their circumstances.

V. E. Schwab

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Gods That Answer After Dark”

Part 1 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Darkest Part of the Night”

Part 2 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Three Hundred Years—And Three Words”

Part 3 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Shadow Who Smiled and the Girl Who Smiled Back”

Part 5 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Do Not Pretend That This is Love” - Part 7: “I Remember You”

Parts 6-7

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