Time is a thing humans have a complicated relationship with. Some don’t consider it while others feel its impact every second of every day. Most of us can agree that many of us are desperate for of it, to do everything we want to do before it’s too late. But what would you give up if you could have more? What price would you be willing to pay to have all the time in the world?
That is the question of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. The title’s main character, Addie, makes a Faustian deal with the devil for time, but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
The prose in this novel is an absolute delight to read and pulls you right into the story without bogging you down. The characters of Addie, Luc, and Henry are also engaging and ones that many will find relatable.
The part many may find to be the most divisive about this book is the pacing. After the bargain is made, everything moves more into a slice of life pace, with various points of tragedy and excitement sprinkled throughout. Much of this comes as a result of the switching of years between each chapter and its characters. Some may find this pace enjoyable and not detracting at all while others may find it slows the plot down and drags things along.
Through it all, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is an excellent read and one that might just help someone to appreciate all the time they do have.
You can borrow it as an ebook or digital audiobook from eBCCLS or eLibraryNJ. It is available in print from Hoboken and other BCCLS Libraries.
Written by:
Lauren Lapinski
Circulation Assistant
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 
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