Readers have been voting for their favourite book of the decade so far and it is a fantasy novel that has taken the crown. V. E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is the choice of Goodreads reviewers. Published back in 2020, the story is set in 18th century France. It follows a French woman who makes a bargain that is life-altering.
The book’s synopsis reads: “A young woman named Addie makes a deal with a dark god to live forever, but in return, she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. For 300 years, Addie wanders the world, leaving no trace, until she encounters a young man in a New York bookstore who remembers her. This encounter forces her to confront her past and the consequences of her deal.”
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’s explores themes of memory, love, and the human desire to leave a mark on the world. The book is one of many written by Schwab and it spent 37 consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
The book has been voted as the “Best Book of the 2020s” by readers on Goodreads and has scored 4.17 out of five stars. One reviewer described the book as “mesmering”, with another saying it was “magical”.
The fantasy fiction has been hailed by readers, with one reviewer stating: “This time, I’m truly at a loss for words. This masterpiece has left me speechless – utterly awed, adored, and deeply moved. I may even announce it as one of the top ten best books of the year.”
Another reviewer said: “Words can’t even begin to describe the beauty of this book. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a mesmerizing tapestry woven from heartbreak and desperation and yet, somewhere in the midst of the suffering, the pure joy of living. This book touched my heart in places I didn’t know existed. It tore open the gates of my emotions and ripped them apart mercilessly.”
The book’s author said: “As I do my final read-through on this book, a story nearly 10 years in the making, all I can think is that I’ve put my heart and soul, my teeth and blood and bones into this one. I hope you love it.”