Reviews with content warning for Self harm - Das unsichtbare Leben der Addie LaRue

Writing a review for this book is a little daunting because I’m currently having all the feels, and it’s overwhelming to narrow it down into words. This was such a beautifully written book. I think for the first time in my life, I wanted to write in a book and mark it up. Every few lines had a quote or a turn of phrase that I wanted to underline, to remember. As with all fabulous books, I found myself torn between blasting through it because I just couldn’t help myself, and holding myself back because I wanted to savour the first of many reads.

More than having words strung together beautifully, what struck me was that the story itself was so carefully crafted and woven together. The nuances that Schwab explored in what Addie’s deal with the devil would really mean were so well developed. The limitations and the emotional effects were thoughtful and insightful. Her understanding of the human condition and her ability to explore complex emotions like loneliness, despair, heartbreak, love, and even wonder is next-level.

I follow V.E. Schwab on social media and what impresses me is the care that she takes with her stories. She is a careful steward of her creative ideas and she takes the time that they need to fully percolate. That is exactly the type of author that Addie LaRue needed in order to tell her story.

http://fourhousesreview.ca/2022/01/28/the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue/

Content Warnings

megan_j's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I really liked this book, but it didn’t make me FEEL enough. I was invested, I loved the characters (especially Addie of course, she is so smart and cunning beyond your imagination) and I did love Henry too and I’m glad

he got a second chance at life

. It was beautifully written and such an interesting plot concept and so heart wrenching at times. Even though the overall premise of the book was quite dark I found it very lighthearted and adventurous a lot of the time too. The writing was so good I did also find myself falling for Luc at times too. Overall really enjoyed it and the writing was beautifully descriptive.

What is a person if not the marks they leave behind?

Content Warnings