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A review by atalanta_nins
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I've decided to do a more elaborate and orderly review (compared from the previous one). The reason that I'm a bit disorganized from my reviews is because I usually write what I thought while reading and absorbing them, kinda pouring all my thoughts thru notes but of course that takes time. And I tried to halt writing a review as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it nonstop but then I kinda have a memory like a goldfish so I'll try to divide my reviews and thoughts of this book by its parts on the book.
So spoilers ahead:
Part 1: The Gods that Answer After Dark
The whole part of this book was good in worldbuilding. We are introduced to Adeline "Addie" LaRue, basically everything about her that should be introduced, from where she was born and from and where she is in the current time of the book. Also, we are briefly introduced as to why she was cursed. Though most of the things mentioned in this part are introduction and worldbuilding, (though to be honest there's a kind of vagueness surrounding it, like she mention people, things or places but it felt like she was intentionally leaving out something), it didn't hooked me right at the start but I think the part where she was talking to the darkness itself and how she was cursed (though on technicality, it felt like she cursed herself too) sealed the deal with me. But like introductions, there are also parts of this part that seems unclear, like I said, there's a vagueness around it or maybe the storytelling is using that vagueness to tell the story, like how Addie is easily forgotten and she couldn't leave a mark, I felt that the storytelling is also covering something up or obscuring our view from the big picture? Though, I felt there's more to her all being cursed to living on her own and forgotten by anyone she happens to meet, like something must have happened during all those years she lived. Also, a question, if she was originally from France, then how the hell did she end up in New York? Like, did she happened to become a secret passenger? How is she able to secure a ride? Also, because of her curse, I also think it's safe to say that she was not able to work and thus might have been stealing most of her life. Also, can't help that she sometimes randomly tell stories about people she meet, even before she was cursed.
Also, what was her relationship to the Dark? Is the Dark a person or just a personification of the Darkness? Also,can't help but think, did the Dark lure her? Like think about it, Addie had been drawing a figure similar to the Dark so I can't help but think that maybe the Dark might have lured her? Like toy her, as the dark lurks, they might have seen her draw and they decided to infiltrate her mind to nudge her to draw the Dark? Yeah I know that sounds far-fetched but most of the stories I knew about maidens falling inlove with deities or gods involves said deities and gods to infiltrate their thoughts and dreams to lure them into thinking they loved them but really these deities or gods are just obssessive, lustful men.
Part Two
The Darkest Part of the Night
This part had me excited to continue reading. It must have been because of the introduction of Henry Samuel / Strauss and because we're beginning to see what kind of relationship Addie and the Darkness/Luc had over the centuries Addie had been living. Also, I like how Addie was able to adapt (though it must have been hard). Also, I felt overjoyed (I almost cried, but I didn't), when Henry from the bookshop remembered Addie. Like, Addie is basically a ghost, a phantom, haunting the living as no one seems to remember her, as everyone always forgets her and this Henry person (though he shared some similar feautures with the Dark), was somehow thru unforeseen circumstances, remembered her. Though, now that we're introduced to Henry, one can think that maybe, just maybe, there's also something supernatural around him that makes him remember Addie (like supernatural in the sense that Addie made a deal with the Darkness, Henry must have an association too with the supernatural). Also, I think I got it right when I said that the Darkness had been toying with Addie, that's why he transformed himself in the same likeness of Addie's dream guy (but not so dream guy anymore). But like the end chapter of the 2nd part ended it for me in a very confusing way because of that perspective from Henry. What does it mean? Is he secretly the darkness personified? Or did he also made a deal with the Dark? Souls be damned and I'm reading this thru October, welp.
PART THREE
THREE HUNDRED YEARS—AND THREE WORDS
It took me two weeks to read this part (very unfortunate tbh). So, my memory is a bit foggy on this part. I think, it's safe to say that (especially now that it's almost past half this book) I only enioyed reading the book when it's the present time. Though, reading Addie's journey the first time she had to deal with her immortality is a bit heavy, in a sense that she has this innocence on her as it was her first time. Also, the darkness/Luc really pissed me off, like maybe it is his character but I couldn't like him (though there's subtle hints, it may seem, that Addie likes him, even in the present?). Also, what's with Henry and Robbie? Henry did know that Robbie still likes him but why can't Henry like him back? What does it mean? Also, that time jump? I was kinda hoping Addie would go back to her village just to see what happened to her parents or to the people on her village, like even on Estelle?
Then again, I think I said that too soon because as part three reached conclusion, Addie had decided to visit her village (though I don't know if that was the last time she did) but it was the last time she saw her mother. Which really really made me sad, like I was perturbed of it or something. Also, that reveal that Henry also made a deal (though I'm curious of course what deal was it because I also have this feeling that the reason he was able to remember Addie was partly because he also made a deal). I just assumed that deal was similar to her immortality, something about life but we're just halfway, we'll reach that part someday, hopefully soon though.
PART FOUR
THE MAN WHO STAYED DRY IN THE RAIN
I guessed I should have assumed earlier (just by from the title of the part four of the book), that this part would be a bit Henry-centric, detailing how he come to deal with the darkness/Luc and what the deal was, what did he wished for and what was the price for that.
Initially, though, I kinda find it a bit boring (much like on the first part of the book, I find the chapters from Addie's initially normal life a bit tedious to read compared to when she is living in the present time, that is 2014), I felt like there's some vagueness somehow, though there shouldn't be or was I expecting it to be finally relieved?
Also, though I understand why Henry wished what he wished (and considering he's drunk), I find his motives for that to be a bit lacking? Also, though it was initially mentioned that darkness/Luc made deals with other humans before, I figured it be similar to what Addie wished. I just think personally that Addie's wish was heavier than Henry's. I can't explain very well in words (especially this is a second language for me) what I actually feel or what I really think of it. Though that chapter where Henry and Bea discussed her thesis and it felt that the portrait or the person on the portrait was Addie because of the seven freckles thing and because you know it could be Addie as she is immortal. Then the next chapter confirming it that though Addie can't leave a mark, in a sense that she herself cannot leave anything but she can imprint or implant ideas, which, in a sense is a gap or kind of a loophole , in that way, she was able to leave some marks, though they are received as an imaginative idea, whether it was real or not.
And like I previously said, this part is really Henry-centric as we are shown how he experienced his first year with his gift. Though initially I was a bit underwhelmed by the fact that that was his wish, as I read further, I kinda understand why he wished that. And I also understand how it also, though he benefited from it, affected his relationships and how he sees his life from then on. If a different person did wish his wish (though I don't think someone will), they might be able to accept and go with the flow with his wish but it was Henry's wish, and maybe at first it was kinda good to wish that, he further realize that from that moment on, people around him will treat him differently, though he is good enough for them, he isn't what he actually is. It was good on the side of his family and his friend Bea, but if you talk about strangers or like Tabitha or Mr. Melrose or even Robbie, it is kind of like he does want them to appreciate him more but in a way that its him and not something they want him to be, you know? He wouldn't be able to discern now if what was given to him was something he deserved or was it a result of his wish.
Also, because we get to see Henry's perspective, I kinda understand or I guess I began to empathize with him, as someone who also feels lost on their 20s (aren't we all?). But I think it's much harder on him because people does expect something more from him (especially his family). I just also feel genuinely lost myself, and relate to him, especially the way he talks about college and how choosing a certain degree will kinda set you up for life. And just choosing one when we only get one life, this life.
Also, because Henry wished for what he wished, but he could see if the person he is seeing or involved with is affected by his gift/curse, I initially thought that maybe Addie was affected by it. Because the way Addie described him was similar to the features of the darkness/Luc so I initially thought she might've been affected but then we are shown to Henry's perspective and even he initially thought the darkness looked like his brother (and him and his brother are somewhat facially similar) and Henry, though it was just a small part, also noticed that there were no frost in Addie's vision when she sees him, which means she isn't affected by his gift/curse.
PART FIVE: THE SHADOW WHO SMILED AND THE GIRL WHO SMILED BACK
Okay, so I'm genuinely bothered/frightened now. See, I think that the first four parts pretty much covered the story so I was thinking that maybe Part Five is the last part but then like the title and like I saw how many parts it still has (it has part six and seven) and it haunts me now that as Addie and Henry seems happy, seems to slowly figure out how they'll live from the day they knew that each of them made a deal with the darkness, I'm terrified for what comes next. See, I didn't read anything about this book before reading this, so far it deserved the hype that it got but I'm not fully sold on it yet (but I am interested). I am genuinely afraid that because it's halfway, means there's a lot of things that might still happen or change, for better or for worse. And I think I might be right.
As both Addie and Henry seemed to enjoy each other's company, and Addie tells her stories during her three hundred years of living like she does, there has been subtle hints from her stories, of how the darkness gets to decide to claim the souls of those who prayed/asked for him. Like in the last few chapters, we could see Addie slowly losing her mind (though I think it might have been the three centuries of living the way she did that my have amounted to that madness). Also, felt genuinely scares for Henry, had a feeling that when Addie saw him in Chapter 14 of this part, Henry saw the darkness/Luc and I think he came for the retrieval of his payment a.k.a. Henry's soul. I think, as it seems heavily implied, the darkness claims the souls of those they've made the deal over the years when they achieved or like close to achieving what they aim to. Like just before they get to experience the rewards, the darkness claims their souls.
Also, a bit disliking Addie's relationship with the darkness. I think it's because I can't help but think that he groomed her? Because in the very last few chapters of this part, the darkness seems a bit humane as they interact with Addie. Personally, there are villains that deserved a redemption arc or like they were initially hurt painfully which led to their evilness but I don't think that should be done to the darkness. Though, I don't think the darkness is necessarily the villain, but I think he is evil, not a morally grey character.
PART SIX:
DO NOT PRETEND THAT THIS IS LOVE
So, the opening chapter of this is very powerful. Like we're introduced to the opening of a war and somehow, it also felt like we're introduced to a war that is bound to happen later in this book.
It's strange, because as we are nearing the end, I didn't expect there would be another twist such as Henry remembering Addie or that Henry also made a deal with Luc and now that Henry didn't exchange his soul to be loved for a lifetime but rather exchanged it for only a year. In which there's something so cunning about the darkness/Luc. Like he come for people who are really desperate? Also, I am not liking the fact that the darkness/Luc is really becoming a morally grey character because of how he is portrayed in the last few chapters. I don't know, maybe it serves as their character development as they interact with Addie over the years he becomes somehow a bit humane? But I don't know, it just felt like that was never enough for that.
On chapter 11 of this part, this was what bothered me on the whole ordeal. I have to agree with Addie here. She doesn't love Luc the way you love someone romantically. I think, her love for Luc was more of his companionship, as Luc is the only person who will always remember her (of course excluding Henry but more on this later). And also in this chapter we can see that Luc is kinda possessive about Addie. Maybe he did tell her the truth that he knew he can never win her over and probably why over the years he did what he did. But he did hurt her, maybe to keep her near him or more like she'd surrender but I think it is safe to say that Addie may have loved Luc but not romantically, just for the companionship of someone knowing you. But I wouldn't call it romance. It's borderline toxic possessiveness. In a sense, I think, the reason that I couldn't call the darkness/Luc as a morally grey character was he knows evil and he tries to validate his actions, that it neither his fault nor it was evil, but trying to validate your actions, claiming it in neutral just means your scared of admitting what it actually is. I know there isn't always two sides on the story, but if you claimed that you do things out of love but for your own selfish reason then it is indeed morally bad. I mean, if you really loved someone, you wouldn't keep them to yourself and manipulate them into choosing you. Also, I think, one of the things why Addie would never love Luc was because she doesn't trust him. I think, trust is important in any relationship for it to work, (I mean even enemies sometimes trust each other and that is how they sometimes find equal footing) and Addie could or would never trust Luc on anything, as Addie would be watchful and wary of him, as though he says he will keep his word but there's poison in the way he says it, like there's a price or cost for it.
There's something so profound about the ending of this part. It's maddening that after all those years, Addie surrendered herself because someone remembered her. And though I don't strongly support Henry and Adeline, I do not oppose it. I just felt sad that like time, it's fleeting, their story is short but a lot has happened in that short span of time.
PART SEVEN: I REMEMBER YOU
This part felt like a bonus part of the book. I felt somehow that the real ending was the part six, but I'm still grateful for this part.
The end felt an open ending, but a bit bittersweet. Though, I think, Henry and Addie did love each other but they aren't deeply devoted to one another. I think, Henry would move on and find someone else. As for Addie, she loved her freedom so much, she'd find a way to let go of Luc, no matter how long it will take which is why I don't think she's come back to Henry after this. Afterall, Henry will grow old and Addie, well, there's uncertainty on her future but there is a future. I guess, Henry is also grateful for Addie as Addie taught him how to continue living, despite the loss and sufferings while Henry reminded Addie how to be remembered and to be human.
In the end, I think this is a great book. Though sometimes I felt that the story itself drag way too much but maybe the book is a collection of stories, one might say. Still, it's worth the read though I don't see myself rereading this anytime soon.
So spoilers ahead:
Part 1: The Gods that Answer After Dark
The whole part of this book was good in worldbuilding. We are introduced to Adeline "Addie" LaRue, basically everything about her that should be introduced, from where she was born and from and where she is in the current time of the book. Also, we are briefly introduced as to why she was cursed. Though most of the things mentioned in this part are introduction and worldbuilding, (though to be honest there's a kind of vagueness surrounding it, like she mention people, things or places but it felt like she was intentionally leaving out something), it didn't hooked me right at the start but I think the part where she was talking to the darkness itself and how she was cursed (though on technicality, it felt like she cursed herself too) sealed the deal with me. But like introductions, there are also parts of this part that seems unclear, like I said, there's a vagueness around it or maybe the storytelling is using that vagueness to tell the story, like how Addie is easily forgotten and she couldn't leave a mark, I felt that the storytelling is also covering something up or obscuring our view from the big picture? Though, I felt there's more to her all being cursed to living on her own and forgotten by anyone she happens to meet, like something must have happened during all those years she lived. Also, a question, if she was originally from France, then how the hell did she end up in New York? Like, did she happened to become a secret passenger? How is she able to secure a ride? Also, because of her curse, I also think it's safe to say that she was not able to work and thus might have been stealing most of her life. Also, can't help that she sometimes randomly tell stories about people she meet, even before she was cursed.
Also, what was her relationship to the Dark? Is the Dark a person or just a personification of the Darkness? Also,can't help but think, did the Dark lure her? Like think about it, Addie had been drawing a figure similar to the Dark so I can't help but think that maybe the Dark might have lured her? Like toy her, as the dark lurks, they might have seen her draw and they decided to infiltrate her mind to nudge her to draw the Dark? Yeah I know that sounds far-fetched but most of the stories I knew about maidens falling inlove with deities or gods involves said deities and gods to infiltrate their thoughts and dreams to lure them into thinking they loved them but really these deities or gods are just obssessive, lustful men.
Part Two
The Darkest Part of the Night
This part had me excited to continue reading. It must have been because of the introduction of Henry Samuel / Strauss and because we're beginning to see what kind of relationship Addie and the Darkness/Luc had over the centuries Addie had been living. Also, I like how Addie was able to adapt (though it must have been hard). Also, I felt overjoyed (I almost cried, but I didn't), when Henry from the bookshop remembered Addie. Like, Addie is basically a ghost, a phantom, haunting the living as no one seems to remember her, as everyone always forgets her and this Henry person (though he shared some similar feautures with the Dark), was somehow thru unforeseen circumstances, remembered her. Though, now that we're introduced to Henry, one can think that maybe, just maybe, there's also something supernatural around him that makes him remember Addie (like supernatural in the sense that Addie made a deal with the Darkness, Henry must have an association too with the supernatural). Also, I think I got it right when I said that the Darkness had been toying with Addie, that's why he transformed himself in the same likeness of Addie's dream guy (but not so dream guy anymore). But like the end chapter of the 2nd part ended it for me in a very confusing way because of that perspective from Henry. What does it mean? Is he secretly the darkness personified? Or did he also made a deal with the Dark? Souls be damned and I'm reading this thru October, welp.
PART THREE
THREE HUNDRED YEARS—AND THREE WORDS
It took me two weeks to read this part (very unfortunate tbh). So, my memory is a bit foggy on this part. I think, it's safe to say that (especially now that it's almost past half this book) I only enioyed reading the book when it's the present time. Though, reading Addie's journey the first time she had to deal with her immortality is a bit heavy, in a sense that she has this innocence on her as it was her first time. Also, the darkness/Luc really pissed me off, like maybe it is his character but I couldn't like him (though there's subtle hints, it may seem, that Addie likes him, even in the present?). Also, what's with Henry and Robbie? Henry did know that Robbie still likes him but why can't Henry like him back? What does it mean? Also, that time jump? I was kinda hoping Addie would go back to her village just to see what happened to her parents or to the people on her village, like even on Estelle?
Then again, I think I said that too soon because as part three reached conclusion, Addie had decided to visit her village (though I don't know if that was the last time she did) but it was the last time she saw her mother. Which really really made me sad, like I was perturbed of it or something. Also, that reveal that Henry also made a deal (though I'm curious of course what deal was it because I also have this feeling that the reason he was able to remember Addie was partly because he also made a deal). I just assumed that deal was similar to her immortality, something about life but we're just halfway, we'll reach that part someday, hopefully soon though.
PART FOUR
THE MAN WHO STAYED DRY IN THE RAIN
I guessed I should have assumed earlier (just by from the title of the part four of the book), that this part would be a bit Henry-centric, detailing how he come to deal with the darkness/Luc and what the deal was, what did he wished for and what was the price for that.
Initially, though, I kinda find it a bit boring (much like on the first part of the book, I find the chapters from Addie's initially normal life a bit tedious to read compared to when she is living in the present time, that is 2014), I felt like there's some vagueness somehow, though there shouldn't be or was I expecting it to be finally relieved?
Also, though I understand why Henry wished what he wished (and considering he's drunk), I find his motives for that to be a bit lacking? Also, though it was initially mentioned that darkness/Luc made deals with other humans before, I figured it be similar to what Addie wished. I just think personally that Addie's wish was heavier than Henry's. I can't explain very well in words (especially this is a second language for me) what I actually feel or what I really think of it. Though that chapter where Henry and Bea discussed her thesis and it felt that the portrait or the person on the portrait was Addie because of the seven freckles thing and because you know it could be Addie as she is immortal. Then the next chapter confirming it that though Addie can't leave a mark, in a sense that she herself cannot leave anything but she can imprint or implant ideas, which, in a sense is a gap or kind of a loophole , in that way, she was able to leave some marks, though they are received as an imaginative idea, whether it was real or not.
And like I previously said, this part is really Henry-centric as we are shown how he experienced his first year with his gift. Though initially I was a bit underwhelmed by the fact that that was his wish, as I read further, I kinda understand why he wished that. And I also understand how it also, though he benefited from it, affected his relationships and how he sees his life from then on. If a different person did wish his wish (though I don't think someone will), they might be able to accept and go with the flow with his wish but it was Henry's wish, and maybe at first it was kinda good to wish that, he further realize that from that moment on, people around him will treat him differently, though he is good enough for them, he isn't what he actually is. It was good on the side of his family and his friend Bea, but if you talk about strangers or like Tabitha or Mr. Melrose or even Robbie, it is kind of like he does want them to appreciate him more but in a way that its him and not something they want him to be, you know? He wouldn't be able to discern now if what was given to him was something he deserved or was it a result of his wish.
Also, because we get to see Henry's perspective, I kinda understand or I guess I began to empathize with him, as someone who also feels lost on their 20s (aren't we all?). But I think it's much harder on him because people does expect something more from him (especially his family). I just also feel genuinely lost myself, and relate to him, especially the way he talks about college and how choosing a certain degree will kinda set you up for life. And just choosing one when we only get one life, this life.
Also, because Henry wished for what he wished, but he could see if the person he is seeing or involved with is affected by his gift/curse, I initially thought that maybe Addie was affected by it. Because the way Addie described him was similar to the features of the darkness/Luc so I initially thought she might've been affected but then we are shown to Henry's perspective and even he initially thought the darkness looked like his brother (and him and his brother are somewhat facially similar) and Henry, though it was just a small part, also noticed that there were no frost in Addie's vision when she sees him, which means she isn't affected by his gift/curse.
PART FIVE: THE SHADOW WHO SMILED AND THE GIRL WHO SMILED BACK
Okay, so I'm genuinely bothered/frightened now. See, I think that the first four parts pretty much covered the story so I was thinking that maybe Part Five is the last part but then like the title and like I saw how many parts it still has (it has part six and seven) and it haunts me now that as Addie and Henry seems happy, seems to slowly figure out how they'll live from the day they knew that each of them made a deal with the darkness, I'm terrified for what comes next. See, I didn't read anything about this book before reading this, so far it deserved the hype that it got but I'm not fully sold on it yet (but I am interested). I am genuinely afraid that because it's halfway, means there's a lot of things that might still happen or change, for better or for worse. And I think I might be right.
As both Addie and Henry seemed to enjoy each other's company, and Addie tells her stories during her three hundred years of living like she does, there has been subtle hints from her stories, of how the darkness gets to decide to claim the souls of those who prayed/asked for him. Like in the last few chapters, we could see Addie slowly losing her mind (though I think it might have been the three centuries of living the way she did that my have amounted to that madness). Also, felt genuinely scares for Henry, had a feeling that when Addie saw him in Chapter 14 of this part, Henry saw the darkness/Luc and I think he came for the retrieval of his payment a.k.a. Henry's soul. I think, as it seems heavily implied, the darkness claims the souls of those they've made the deal over the years when they achieved or like close to achieving what they aim to. Like just before they get to experience the rewards, the darkness claims their souls.
Also, a bit disliking Addie's relationship with the darkness. I think it's because I can't help but think that he groomed her? Because in the very last few chapters of this part, the darkness seems a bit humane as they interact with Addie. Personally, there are villains that deserved a redemption arc or like they were initially hurt painfully which led to their evilness but I don't think that should be done to the darkness. Though, I don't think the darkness is necessarily the villain, but I think he is evil, not a morally grey character.
PART SIX:
DO NOT PRETEND THAT THIS IS LOVE
So, the opening chapter of this is very powerful. Like we're introduced to the opening of a war and somehow, it also felt like we're introduced to a war that is bound to happen later in this book.
It's strange, because as we are nearing the end, I didn't expect there would be another twist such as Henry remembering Addie or that Henry also made a deal with Luc and now that Henry didn't exchange his soul to be loved for a lifetime but rather exchanged it for only a year. In which there's something so cunning about the darkness/Luc. Like he come for people who are really desperate? Also, I am not liking the fact that the darkness/Luc is really becoming a morally grey character because of how he is portrayed in the last few chapters. I don't know, maybe it serves as their character development as they interact with Addie over the years he becomes somehow a bit humane? But I don't know, it just felt like that was never enough for that.
On chapter 11 of this part, this was what bothered me on the whole ordeal. I have to agree with Addie here. She doesn't love Luc the way you love someone romantically. I think, her love for Luc was more of his companionship, as Luc is the only person who will always remember her (of course excluding Henry but more on this later). And also in this chapter we can see that Luc is kinda possessive about Addie. Maybe he did tell her the truth that he knew he can never win her over and probably why over the years he did what he did. But he did hurt her, maybe to keep her near him or more like she'd surrender but I think it is safe to say that Addie may have loved Luc but not romantically, just for the companionship of someone knowing you. But I wouldn't call it romance. It's borderline toxic possessiveness. In a sense, I think, the reason that I couldn't call the darkness/Luc as a morally grey character was he knows evil and he tries to validate his actions, that it neither his fault nor it was evil, but trying to validate your actions, claiming it in neutral just means your scared of admitting what it actually is. I know there isn't always two sides on the story, but if you claimed that you do things out of love but for your own selfish reason then it is indeed morally bad. I mean, if you really loved someone, you wouldn't keep them to yourself and manipulate them into choosing you. Also, I think, one of the things why Addie would never love Luc was because she doesn't trust him. I think, trust is important in any relationship for it to work, (I mean even enemies sometimes trust each other and that is how they sometimes find equal footing) and Addie could or would never trust Luc on anything, as Addie would be watchful and wary of him, as though he says he will keep his word but there's poison in the way he says it, like there's a price or cost for it.
There's something so profound about the ending of this part. It's maddening that after all those years, Addie surrendered herself because someone remembered her. And though I don't strongly support Henry and Adeline, I do not oppose it. I just felt sad that like time, it's fleeting, their story is short but a lot has happened in that short span of time.
PART SEVEN: I REMEMBER YOU
This part felt like a bonus part of the book. I felt somehow that the real ending was the part six, but I'm still grateful for this part.
The end felt an open ending, but a bit bittersweet. Though, I think, Henry and Addie did love each other but they aren't deeply devoted to one another. I think, Henry would move on and find someone else. As for Addie, she loved her freedom so much, she'd find a way to let go of Luc, no matter how long it will take which is why I don't think she's come back to Henry after this. Afterall, Henry will grow old and Addie, well, there's uncertainty on her future but there is a future. I guess, Henry is also grateful for Addie as Addie taught him how to continue living, despite the loss and sufferings while Henry reminded Addie how to be remembered and to be human.
In the end, I think this is a great book. Though sometimes I felt that the story itself drag way too much but maybe the book is a collection of stories, one might say. Still, it's worth the read though I don't see myself rereading this anytime soon.