The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Review

Summary

Adeline LaRue lived in a small town in 1700s France. She also thought she was meant for bigger and better things. So when she is faced with a crossroads she makes a decision that will haunt her forever.

My Thoughts

OH THIS BOOK WAS SO HEARTBREAKING! I honestly have been putting this book off since I got it because I just KNEW it was going to be sad. I mean it is a perspective on a classic that is equally devastating so I guess I was preparing myself for the inevitable sob fest I was about to have while reading.

When I started the book, it took me a minute to get into it and I didn’t understand why she kept referring Elise to a tree. That part threw me for a little bit. However, the writing really reeled me into this book. The imagery in this book was so detailed, but it made me feel like I was there so I was never bored. I wanted to be wherever Addie was. Between the cities of France, Italy, and the United States, I was in awe of the magic all these places added to the plot. I also took notes on all the places she went so I could add it to my list of places I want to visit before I die. Addie wanted to see the world and boy she did on every level!

I also was obsessed with the bookstore in the story. It sounded like a maze of books that I wanted to get lost in and that cat sounds adorable. What a perfect place to find a love interest! So adorable omg. The author described the place so well that I could almost smell the books from the store.

I loved how magical art was portrayed in this book and it was truly a shining beacon of the overall message of it. During these times of the pandemic, I feel a lot of people are told that their jobs or passions are not important because they are not considered essential. However, this book shows us that art is such an important factor of life and how we see and understand the world around us.

Through all the artworks of Addie, her story is told in a way that every person’s story should be told. All people want to leave a mark on the world and this book shows that there are so many ways for you to do that. I also loved the subtle cameos that the author included in some of the flashback scenes. It was an added bonus to the plot that I really enjoyed.

The characters were also so complex and powerful in this book. They all added just necessary details to the overall plot of the book and they expressed every want that humans have in life. Addie wanted to be free and do her own thing, Henry wanted to be loved and accepted for who he is, Luc wanted a companion so he wouldn’t be alone, Robbie wanted to be the center of attention, and Bea wanted to be seen as intelligent to her peers. We have all felt that way at a time and it makes us feel so lonely. The biggest emotion that I got from all these characters was the loneliness. Throughout the entire book, loneliness just ate at my soul and ripped my heart out.

I loved all the characters so much and they were all so beautifully written that I wanted to read about them forever. The most surprising character that I liked was Luc and the ending alluded to maybe there might be a sequel??!? I would be so down for that.

Overall, the book was honestly a gorgeous read and a true triumph to this author’s repertoire. I loved every single thing about it and I ugly cried when it was over. It is probably my favorite read of the year so far and I think everyone should read this amazing work.