The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

February 29, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there! Looking for your next captivating read? Well, have I got a book recommendation for you! Let's talk about "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab. Now, before you start imagining a spy thriller or a mysterious detective story, let me set the record straight. This book is a stunning blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and a dash of romance that will leave you turning pages long into the night. So, what's it all about, you ask? Meet Addie LaRue, a young woman from 18th-century France who makes a desperate deal with the devil to escape an arranged marriage and live a life of freedom. The catch? Addie becomes immortal, but with an eerie price—no one remembers her. We follow Addie's journey through the centuries as she navigates an invisible existence, until one day, everything changes. This story artfully weaves together themes of identity, loneliness, and the power of making one's mark on the world. Schwab's beautiful prose will transport you from the dark cobblestone streets of Paris to the bustling city lights of contemporary New York. Now, if you're anything like me and fall head over heels in love with this book, don't worry, I've got you covered. Stay tuned, because in the next part, I'll be sharing some recommendations for similar reads that you will definitely want to add to your TBR (to-be-read) pile. So, let's dive into the magical world of "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and then explore more books that will capture your imagination. Stay tuned for our recommendations for books like "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" coming right up!
The Book Cover Image for The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
The Book Cover Image for The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Fantasy
Romance
Mystery

The Night Circus

The Night Circus is a captivating tale of two young magicians who are bound in a mystical competition that unfolds within a mysterious and enchanting black-and-white circus. With its intricate storytelling and vivid imagery, this book will transport you to a world filled with magic, romance, and suspense.
Author
Erin Morgenstern
Year Written
2011
The Night Circus
Adventure
Fantasy
Steampunk

Clockwork Angels

"Clockwork Angels" is a thrilling steampunk adventure that follows the journey of a young man caught between a life of order and a desire for freedom. Set in a world governed by a clockwork mechanism, it explores themes of fate, individuality, and the pursuit of dreams.
Author
Kevin J. Anderson
Year Written
2012
Clockwork Angels
Romance
Science Fiction
Time-travel

The Time Traveler's Wife

"The Time Traveler's Wife" is a romantic science fiction novel that tells the story of Henry, a librarian with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel, and his wife Clare, who first meets him as a child. As Henry's sporadic time-traveling complicates their relationship, they navigate the challenges of love, destiny, and the impact of time on their lives.
Author
Audrey Niffenegger
Year Written
2003
The Time Traveler's Wife
Fantasy
Adventure
Coming of Age

The Name of the Wind

"The Name of the Wind is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the life of a legendary magician as he recounts his story of fame, tragedy, and seeking the truth behind his true name."
Author
Patrick Rothfuss
Year Written
2007
The Name of the Wind
Fantasy
Mystery
Young Adult

The Hazel Wood

The Hazel Wood is a gripping fantasy novel that follows the journey of Alice as she delves into her grandmother's mysterious world, the Hinterland, in search of her missing mother. With dark fairy tales and a haunting atmosphere, this book is a must-read for lovers of fantasy and mystery.
Author
Melissa Albert
Year Written
2018
The Hazel Wood
Fantasy
Adventure
Historical Fiction

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

"The Ten Thousand Doors of January" is a captivating tale that follows January Scaller as she discovers mysterious portals to other worlds and learns about her own extraordinary heritage. With beautiful prose and a mix of adventure, fantasy, and historical fiction, this novel takes readers on a magical journey of self-discovery and the power of imagination.
Author
Alix E. Harrow
Year Written
2019
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Fantasy
Mystery
Adventure

The Starless Sea

"The Starless Sea" is a mesmerizing tale that follows a graduate student who stumbles upon a hidden underground library filled with stories and secrets that are intertwined with his own life. Filled with enchantment and intricate storytelling, this book is a love letter to books and the power of imagination.
Author
Erin Morgenstern
Year Written
2019
The Starless Sea
Fantasy
Fiction
Magic

The Girl Who Drank The Moon

"The Girl Who Drank The Moon is a whimsical and enchanting tale about a young girl named Luna, a kind witch, and a magical forest that intertwines their lives in unexpected ways."
Author
Kelly Barnhill
Year Written
2016
The Girl Who Drank The Moon
Fantasy
Historical Fiction

The Golem and the Jinni

The Golem and the Jinni is a captivating historical fantasy novel that follows the unlikely friendship between a creature made of clay and a being of fire, exploring the complexities of their existence in 19th-century New York City. Through beautiful prose and rich storytelling, Helene Wecker masterfully weaves together folklore, immigrant experiences, and themes of identity and belonging in this enchanting tale.
Author
Helene Wecker
Year Written
2013
The Golem and the Jinni
Literary
Mystery
Folklore

Once Upon a River

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield takes readers on a captivating journey along the river Thames, where a mysterious girl with an extraordinary ability to revive brings hope and intrigue to those whose lives she touches. With rich storytelling and a blend of folklore and suspense, this novel immerses readers in a world where the power of a story can change lives forever.
Author
Diane Setterfield
Year Written
2018
Once Upon a River
Dystopian
Coming of Age
Satire

Less Than Zero

"Less Than Zero" by Bret Easton Ellis is a haunting portrayal of a disenchanted and apathetic youth culture in 1980s Los Angeles, exploring themes of nihilism, hedonism, and the emptiness of modern life. Through the eyes of protagonist Clay, it delves into a world of decadence, drug abuse, and moral decay, offering a bleak and uncompromising critique of the shallow and alienating aspects of society.
Author
Bret Easton Ellis
Year Written
1985
Less Than Zero
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Supernatural

The Witch's Daughter

"The Witch's Daughter" is a thrilling tale of magic and immortality, delving into the life of a witch named Bess Hawksmith who strives to keep her secrets hidden across the centuries. As she navigates through the challenges of the modern world, Bess confronts her past and fights to protect her ancient knowledge from falling into the wrong hands.
Author
Paula Brackston
Year Written
2010
The Witch's Daughter
Fantasy
Retelling
Nostalgia

The Mermaid's Daughter

The Mermaid's Daughter is a bewitching novel that immerses readers in the enchanting world of a talented opera singer plagued by an inexplicable connection to the tale of the Little Mermaid. Exploring themes of love, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit, Ann Claycomb delivers a captivating story that lingers in the heart and mind.
Author
Ann Claycomb
Year Written
2017
The Mermaid's Daughter

FAQ

Overview

"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab takes readers on an extraordinary journey through time and the human longing for connection. Addie LaRue, an 18th-century French girl, makes a desperate pact with the devil to escape a stifling life and be free. In exchange, she becomes immortal, but with a catch - no one she meets can remember her. We follow Addie through the centuries as she navigates a world where she leaves no mark, until she meets a man in modern-day New York who remembers her, sparking a love story both beautiful and tragic. With themes of identity, loneliness, and the power of resilience, this blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance is sure to captivate readers with its rich prose and haunting premise. Schwab's masterful storytelling brings to life vivid characters like Luc, the enigmatic devil who bargains with Addie, and Henry, the bookstore owner who becomes a light in her long and invisible existence. Addie's journey is filled with magical encounters, from dealing with gods and goddesses to brief and elusive relationships, each highlighting the profound desire for connection that drives her story. "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is a beautifully crafted tale that will leave readers pondering the weight of immortality and the timeless yearning for a place to truly belong.

Length of Read

7h28m

Main Characters

Here are the main characters in "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and what makes them stand out:

- Addie LaRue: Our fearless protagonist who makes a deal with the devil and becomes immortal, but at the cost of being forgotten by everyone she meets—a truly unique and haunting predicament.

- Luc: The devil himself, who strikes a deal with Addie and becomes a fascinating antagonist with a complex mix of charm, cunning, and an enigmatic agenda.

- Henry Strauss: A bookstore owner in modern-day New York who becomes an unexpected beacon of hope and connection in Addie's lonely existence, sparking a bittersweet romance that tugs at your heartstrings.

- Addie's past lovers: Throughout the centuries, Addie has had a string of relationships, each brief and fleeting due to her curse, highlighting the longing and desire for genuine connection that drives her story.

- The gods and goddesses: Addie's encounters with various deities, from tricksters to muses, add a touch of mythology and give us a glimpse into a world beyond our own.

These characters bring depth, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural to the story, making "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" an unforgettable journey through time and the human experience.

Ending & Meaning

Hold on to your hats, because we're diving into the ending of "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue"! Spoiler alert, folks! After centuries of loneliness and yearning for connection, Addie finds herself at a crossroads. Luc, the devil himself, offers her a choice: to live a life free from her curse but forgettable to the world, or to surrender herself to him and have her memories wiped clean. In a stunning act of defiance, Addie chooses neither. She seizes her agency and makes a deal with the devil on her own terms, demanding her freedom and the memories of those she's encountered throughout the centuries. In a breathtaking twist, Addie's memories are infused into a book—her story preserved for eternity. As the pages of the book fill with her experiences, Addie realizes that she has left her mark on the world in a way she never thought possible. The ending beautifully explores the power of storytelling, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of leaving a legacy. Themes and meaning in the ending of "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" include the significance of memory and the impact we have on others. It emphasizes the idea that even if we may feel invisible or forgotten, our actions and stories can endure and touch the lives of others long after we're gone. It's a reminder to embrace our individuality, find our voice, and make our mark on the world, no matter how fleeting our time may be.
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