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Spoiler Alert: This blog post contains spoilers for the novel “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab. If you haven’t read the book yet and wish to avoid spoilers, please proceed with caution.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab is a captivating historical fantasy novel that takes readers on a journey through time and explores the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue. The book follows Addie’s Faustian bargain, which grants her eternal life but curses her to be forgotten by everyone she meets. However, after nearly 300 years, she encounters a young man named Henry who remembers her.
The ending of the book raises several intriguing questions and provides closure to Addie’s story, and in this blog post, we will dive into the details and explain the ending of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.
However, do note that there are spoilers ahead, so proceed only if you are fully prepared to continue reading and unveil the intricacies of the novel’s conclusion.
Addie’s Deal with Luc and Her Immortal Life
Addie LaRue, a young woman from 18th-century France, strikes a deal with a demonic entity known as Luc. In exchange for her soul, Addie gains eternal life but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she encounters.
This curse extends to her actions and creations as well, making it impossible for her to leave a lasting mark on the world. Addie spends centuries wandering alone, learning to navigate her immortal existence while leaving her mark on various artworks as an unnamed muse.
Addie and Henry’s Connection
In 2014, Addie crosses paths with Henry, a young bookseller in New York City, who unexpectedly remembers her. They develop a deep connection, sharing stories and experiences. However, Addie soon discovers that Henry, too, made a deal with Luc.
Henry’s deal ensures that he is loved by everyone he meets for a year before surrendering his life and soul to Luc. With only 36 days left, Addie decides to make a new deal with Luc to save Henry.
Addie’s New Deal and Farewell
Addie renegotiates her deal with Luc, offering to be his exclusive romantic partner as long as he wants her if he allows Henry to live out his natural life. Luc agrees to this new arrangement.
On the last day of Henry’s life, Addie reveals the truth to him and asks him to remember her. They spend the day together, writing down more of Addie’s stories. As midnight approaches, Addie and Henry embrace on the rooftop, and Henry’s watch stops. Addie tells him that she hasn’t told him how it ends.
Addie’s Victory and Final Moments
In the last few chapters, it is revealed that Addie had made a secret plan to drive Luc mad and make him want to be rid of her. She had put on a wooden ring and altered her deal with Luc, surrendering her heart instead of her soul. After leaving Henry, devastated, Addie allows Luc to find her.
When he sees the book titled “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,” dedicated to her with the words “I remember you,” he realizes the power of the story and how it can make people remember her. Addie reflects on her ability to slowly drive Luc mad until he casts her away.
Ending Explained
The ending of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue brings closure to Addie’s story while leaving room for interpretation. Addie’s decision to stay with Luc seems to be a temporary arrangement, driven by her determination to save Henry and ultimately be free from Luc’s control. The book also explores the fragility of memory and the power of storytelling, as seen in Henry’s efforts to write down Addie’s stories to preserve their shared experiences. The conclusion leaves readers with a sense of hope and Addie’s resolve to shape her own destiny.
V.E. Schwab’s masterful storytelling takes readers on an emotional and thought-provoking journey and explores themes of identity, love, and the pursuit of freedom. The ending of the book, with Addie’s ultimate victory over Luc, highlights her resilience and the power of her own agency.
One interpretation of the ending is that Addie’s plan to drive Luc mad and make him want to be rid of her succeeds. By dedicating the book to herself and writing “I remember you,” Addie creates a powerful testament to her existence and the impact she had on the world. This act defies Luc’s curse and allows people to remember her through the stories written about her.
The book also raises questions about the nature of memory and the importance of human connections. Despite being forgotten by everyone she meets, Addie finds solace in the few moments of genuine connection she has with others. Her relationship with Henry is a testament to the power of love and the enduring impact it can have, even in the face of adversity.
Finally, the ending suggests that Addie’s journey is not over. While she may have outwitted Luc and gained a measure of freedom, she is still immortal. The book leaves open the possibility of Addie continuing to navigate her existence, perhaps with a newfound sense of purpose and agency.
Conclusion
Overall, the ending of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue provides a satisfying resolution to Addie’s story while leaving room for interpretation and contemplation. It emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit, the power of memory and storytelling, and the pursuit of freedom and self-determination.
The book invites readers to reflect on their own lives, the impact they have on others, and the significance of the connections they make along the way.
I hope you enjoyed this ending explanation for The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below! ❤️