The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - Full Text

The story is balanced between a narrative in present day New York City and flashbacks starting from Addie's childhood in France to her experiences traveling the world and witnessing major historical events. It begins in the early 1700s, following Addie as a young woman burdened by a forced marriage and praying to the gods for her freedom. She accidentally catches the attention of a god of the night, who she would later name Luc, who promises her the time she wants with the caveat being nobody will ever remember her after one encounter. Over time she subtly influences many people, making marks in history and inspiring the creation of songs and art about her. Luc visits her every year after they make their deal, asking for her soul, but she refuses every time. The pair develop a relationship over time that carries on for about two decades. It ends abruptly when Luc asks again for her to surrender her soul, as Addie believes their relationship was just a gambit.

In 2014, Addie meets a man named Henry Strauss who can somehow remember her and speak her name. The pair become romantically involved until the day that Addie realizes that Henry only has 35 days left to live per conditions of his deal with Luc. Due to heavy familial pressures placed on him, Henry felt bogged down in his life, and a failed proposal made him attempt suicide. Luc visited him and granted his wish: whenever someone would see him, they would see what they desire the most. This allowed Henry to remember Addie, fulfilling her wish that somebody would remember her. At the novel's end, Addie sacrifices herself to Luc, agreeing to be his so long as he wants her at his side. She does not surrender her soul as Luc no longer wants it, claiming to be in love with her. Luc agrees to this in exchange for Henry's freedom with Addie's condition that Henry remember her. Henry publishes the stories Addie told him of her past in a book called The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, which is an instant success. Addie has hope that she can manipulate Luc to let her go and finally have peace.