Published: October 2020
Pages: 448
Summary
France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.
My thoughts
I absolutely adore this book. This is one that reviews are divided by, either people love it or they hate it. I really love it. This is a captivating novel that tells the extraordinary story of Addie LaRue, a young woman cursed with immortality by a desperate plea, finds herself forgotten by the world. No one can remember her face, her name, or even the briefest interaction with her. Yet, despite this isolating curse, Addie finds solace and purpose in the enduring power of art.
“I do not want to belong to someone else. I do not want to belong to anyone but myself. I want to be free. Free to live, and to find my own way, to love, or to be alone, but at least it is my choice, and I am so tired of not having choices, so scared of the years rushing past beneath my feet. I do not want to die as I’ve lived, which is no life at all.”
For centuries, Addie wanders the world, a ghost in plain sight, yearning for human connection. She observes the passage of time, witnessing history unfold while remaining eternally trapped in her own isolated existence. Yet, amidst the loneliness and despair, she leaves her mark on the world through hidden messages, fleeting encounters, and the timeless beauty of her creations.
This story is entirely character driven, which I typically don’t enjoy, but this book gave me so much to engage with and feel. Schwab is a brilliant writer and there were moments I had to close the page and just let something sink in.
Adeline thinks again of Isabelle, two small boys clinging to her skirts, a third in a basket by the hearth. They used to dream together, but she has aged ten years in two, it seems she is always tired, and there are hollows in her face where once her cheeks were red from laughter.
One of the main themes in this book is Addie’s battle with being remembered and trying to leave her mark on the world. She discovers her limits to what is possible and what isn’t, to allow her to subtly influence the world around her. But it takes an emotional toll on her. What I love about Addie is her resilience and perseverance. She could give in at any moment, the devil gives her plenty of chances, but she refuses and I admire her tenacity especially in some very challenging situations.
Stories are a way to preserve one’s self. To be remembered. And to forget. Stories come in so many forms: in charcoal, and in song, in paintings, poems, films. And books.
Books, she has found, are a way to live a thousand lives—or to find strength in a very long one.
Schwab masterfully weaves together historical settings and contemporary times, showcasing how Addie’s story echoes through the ages. Her encounters with a diverse cast of characters, each touched by her unique presence, highlight the importance and complexities of human interaction. The relationships throughout this story are all compelling and different. Watching Addie navigate these relationships holds true to her character but can also be incredibly sad for us as readers. My heart was aching for her plenty of times throughout her story. And this is not just any story, this is absolutely Addie’s story.
Although there is no main plot driving this story forward, there are plenty of themes to keep readers engaged. We see Addie on her journey navigate grief, love, memory, familial loss and friendship. All if this is a testament to the enduring human spirit, and there are many points that us readers can relate to. We may not be immortal but we’ve all had our share of loss, battling societal expectations, just trying to make the best out of our time and create an impression, something we can leave behind. Something – or someone – to be remembered by.
It is just a storm, he tells himself, but he is tired of looking for shelter. It is just a storm, but there is always another waiting in its wake.
Schwab’s prose is lyrical and evocative, I was truly captivated by the first chapter. We see so much of Addie’s journey that by the time we come across that young man that can somehow remember her.. I could not put the book down. I was intrigued and was absolutely rooting for Addie’s happiness. I could feel her hope through the pages.
Would I recommend?
Yes, this is an exceptional novel that speaks of the importance of human connection and the power of art. This is an exploration of the heart, mind and soul. It has been years since I read this last, and I still remember it all like it was yesterday.