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A review by bethsreading
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
5.0
I must first start off with one of my favourite aspects of the book that I feel does not get the recognition it deserves: the bisexual/pansexual representation! It was so beautiful and important to finally read about characters who loved any gender and it was portrayed as normal and natural. There was no stereotypes, or biphobia, no suggesting that they were just experimenting, no fetishisation; they were just attracted to whoever they were attracted to. Finally seeing such a positive depiction, made me realise how little good representation there is in other media and it really meant so much to see an aspect of myself portrayed in such a beautiful, normal way. It makes me sad that this book is not labelled as LGBT+/queer when both main characters are queer, just another example of how bisexuality/pansexuality is not always seen as an equal member of the LGBT+ community. So if you’re looking for good bisexual rep, please pick up this book!
The concept of this book, as with all of Schwab’s books, was so enticing and it continued to grip me throughout. Addie is such a genuinely interesting character, who wants to experience all she can of the world. Despite going through some truly painful things, she finds a way to hold onto the beauty of her experiences and let her perseverance and desire for life be what defines her. It is hard to put into words the spark that this story had flowing through it, but I was transfixed and really cared for Addie and her journey.
It was a pleasure to see a positive portrayal of sexual exploration, as well as a more realistic example of love; one that isn’t perfect, but two people who can offer each other something beautiful in their companionship.
I’ve tried a few books by Schwab before, but while I thought she always had fantastic concepts, for me they tended to lack a certain spark or heart to push them past a 3.5 star point. Addie Larue, however, broke that pattern for me! This is a story I really connected with and will absolutely reread.
The concept of this book, as with all of Schwab’s books, was so enticing and it continued to grip me throughout. Addie is such a genuinely interesting character, who wants to experience all she can of the world. Despite going through some truly painful things, she finds a way to hold onto the beauty of her experiences and let her perseverance and desire for life be what defines her. It is hard to put into words the spark that this story had flowing through it, but I was transfixed and really cared for Addie and her journey.
It was a pleasure to see a positive portrayal of sexual exploration, as well as a more realistic example of love; one that isn’t perfect, but two people who can offer each other something beautiful in their companionship.
I’ve tried a few books by Schwab before, but while I thought she always had fantastic concepts, for me they tended to lack a certain spark or heart to push them past a 3.5 star point. Addie Larue, however, broke that pattern for me! This is a story I really connected with and will absolutely reread.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Violence and War