By: V.E. Schwab
“Stories are a way to preserve one’s self. To be remembered. And to forget.”
Adeline LaRue makes a deal with darkness, to live forever and to be forgotten by everyone she meets. This deal is made in 1714. It’s now 300 years later and she finally hears the words “I remember you.” No one has ever remembered her. She can’t say or write her real name. She’s struggled with leaving her mark on the world. Who is this guy and why is it that he can remember her?
I really love the idea of this book, and that is why I was drawn to read it. And when it came to the actual written plot of the book, I loved it. I was interested in the deal that she made, and then how she went about living her life. But what happens is that we get the part of the book where the deal is made, went get into the future, 300 years later, and then we spend the next 400 pages going back and forth between the then and the now, with the then slowing moving forward towards the now. The problem though, is that the then chapters don’t really have too much of a purpose. They don’t provide any insight into the now. All it does is give a back story to Addie. A very, very, very long winded back story. Most of the time, I just didn’t care about it. It also just gets very repetitive. We get it, as soon as people leave Addie’s presence, they forget about her.
Then there’s Luc, or the darkness/some force, who she makes the deal with. He becomes obsessed with her. And then there’s Henry, oh poor Henry. I would have loved to see things work out differently. I would have loved to see a different ending. I also would have loved more explanation about Henry at the end as well. Even if Henry’s “purpose” was already fulfilled, my curiosity about him was not.
I know SO many people LOVED this book, but if it wasn’t for a book club, I probably wouldn’t have finished it. I’m not one for too many metaphors and imagery. Though, if you like that, and you are one of the few who hasn’t read this book, give it a try!
Publish Date: October 6, 2020
Find the book here.
* This post contains an affiliate link. I earn a small commission if you purchase the book through this link.
Book Addict Book Blog 