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A review by emmaisnotavampire
La vita invisibile di Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Very interesting concept, left me appreciating the little things in life that often go unnoticed... like the ability to form interpersonal relationships, for example.
I especially enjoyed the perfect combination and balance of eclecticism and ordinariness across different eras, the everyday events of the modern day plot line as opposed to the great and highly relevant events selected for the flashback chapters.
I also loved the fact that the concept of "old gods" is never truly explained, maintaining a sense of mystery that perfectly matches those ethereal beings, or rather entities, concepts, ideas. A "god" is never properly defined, leaving the philosophical question of whether or not Addie is really one of them, as Luc says, for the reader to answer.
Between fascinating historical settings, elements of dark magic and heartwarming love stories, the novel in fact cares to deal with philosophy and existential doubt most of all. Is a life worth living if nobody knows of it? Or even, has it really been lived? What's the difference if no one can prove it? And again, what is love, what authenticity? How can you trust a feeling that you know has been, or at least could have been, manipulated? How can you know if it has or hasn't? Is it better to be loved by no one for who you are, or by everyone for someone you're not. So many dilemmas, and no clear solution: as a fantasy-loving thought daughter, definitely one of my favourite books I've read recently.
I especially enjoyed the perfect combination and balance of eclecticism and ordinariness across different eras, the everyday events of the modern day plot line as opposed to the great and highly relevant events selected for the flashback chapters.
I also loved the fact that the concept of "old gods" is never truly explained, maintaining a sense of mystery that perfectly matches those ethereal beings, or rather entities, concepts, ideas. A "god" is never properly defined, leaving the philosophical question of whether or not Addie is really one of them, as Luc says, for the reader to answer.
Between fascinating historical settings, elements of dark magic and heartwarming love stories, the novel in fact cares to deal with philosophy and existential doubt most of all. Is a life worth living if nobody knows of it? Or even, has it really been lived? What's the difference if no one can prove it? And again, what is love, what authenticity? How can you trust a feeling that you know has been, or at least could have been, manipulated? How can you know if it has or hasn't? Is it better to be loved by no one for who you are, or by everyone for someone you're not. So many dilemmas, and no clear solution: as a fantasy-loving thought daughter, definitely one of my favourite books I've read recently.