Live Forever, But at What Cost? The Heart-Wrenching Tale of "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" Will Leave You Breathless!
- Wise Readers
- Jun 25, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 3, 2024

In The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab weaves a spellbinding tale of a young woman who makes a Faustian bargain to live forever, only to be cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. This novel is a haunting exploration of identity, love, and the longing to leave a mark on the world, even when it seems impossible.
Addie LaRue’s story begins in 18th-century France, where she, desperate to escape an unwanted marriage, makes a deal with a dark god. She gains immortality but at the cost of being forgotten by everyone she encounters. As the centuries pass, Addie learns to navigate her lonely existence, stealing moments of connection that are fleeting and fragile. But everything changes when, after 300 years, she meets a young man in a bookstore who remembers her name.
Schwab’s writing is lyrical and deeply evocative, capturing the pain and beauty of Addie’s endless life. The novel moves fluidly between past and present, exploring the ways in which Addie shapes the world around her, even as she remains unseen. It’s a story of survival, resilience, and the human desire to be remembered, to matter, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
The emotional depth of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is what makes it so compelling. Schwab masterfully portrays the loneliness and isolation of immortality, while also imbuing the story with moments of hope and love. The characters are richly drawn, and the relationships that Addie forms, no matter how brief, are powerful and poignant.
This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves stories that delve into the complexities of the human spirit. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue will stay with you long after the final page, a testament to the power of a well-told story and the indelible impact of a life lived on one’s own terms.









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