Somehow I missed all the hype about this book when it came out in 2020, but I am sure glad I finally found it! There is a little bit of everything in this book- romance, fantasy, mystery and suspense. Yet, it is also a thoughtful exploration on what makes us human and the importance memories and recognition play in defining us.

In 1714, a young French girls named Addie LaRue was supposed to get married. Instead she ran away deep into the forest, desperate to get away from her parents and the man she was supposed marry. Deep in the forest, she meets a strange man who offers her a bargain: Her soul in exchange for living forever, but being forgotten by everyone she meets. With the voices of the villagers searching for her, coming closer and closer, she accepts.

Thus begins a long and complicated life, as Addie tries to negotiate her way in a world that quickly forgets her as soon as they walk away. Despite the loneliness inherent in being forgotten, Addie finds moments of joy and hope in this new life. As years become centuries and she travels across continents exploring whatever the world can offer she finds that it is enough. Until the day she enters a bookstore in Brooklyn and the owner remembers her name.

This is such a strange and fascinating book. Although the premise seems simple enough, Schwab goes deep into the ways our sense of self is dependent on what others know and remember of us. Addie LaRue is both compelling as a character and a bit unsettling. The rules she lives by are different by necessity and her life is disconnected from everyone else around her until she enters that bookstore in Brooklyn. Schwab raises some provocative questions about memory and the role it plays in making us human which will stick with you long after you finish reading this book.

Brenda’s Rating: ***** (5 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Lauren, Marian, Sharon and Keith

Book Study Worthy? Yes!

Read in ebook format.