The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.
Adult • 2020 • 448 pages • Adult / New Adult
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a sophisticated historical fantasy and romance that explores themes of mortality, identity, and the desperation for human connection. The book earns its recommendation for older teens and adults due to themes of suicide, several scenes of moderate substance use (alcohol and drugs), and depictions of sexuality, including a toxic centuries-long relationship and a more grounded modern romance. Parents… Sign up for the full guide
Is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue appropriate for kids?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a sophisticated historical fantasy and romance that explores themes of mortality, identity, and the desperation for human connection. The book earns its recommendation for older teens and adults due to themes of suicide, several scenes of… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
What happens in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, moment by moment
- p. 15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- p. 45 💬 Language 3/10
- p. 62 💬 Language 2/10
Sex and nudity in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
The book contains several scenes of sexual intimacy, though they generally lack anatomical graphicness. There are depictions of casual sex, a long-term toxic liaison with the 'god of night' Luc, and an emotional yet physical relationship with Henry. Discussions of Addie's past as a model and occasional muse also imply sexual history. In 1700s France, Addie explores her sexuality with both men and women, while her modern relationship with Henry is described with moderate detail regarding touch and desire. Luc's…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Violence is generally thematic or historical, including scenes of starvation, wartime peril during WWII, and physical altercations. The most impactful violence is the depiction of a suicide attempt via jumping from a roof, and the psychological torment inflicted by the god Luc across centuries. Addie experiences the physical pain of being struck by a carriage or falling, and while she cannot die, the descriptions of her injuries are stark. During the French Revolution, the threat of the guillotine creates a…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Moderate profanity is used throughout, including the 'f-word' and various other curses like shit, hell, and damn. The language is typical of modern literary adult fiction, becoming more frequent in the sections set in contemporary New York. Henry and his circle of friends use casual expletives during social gatherings and in moments of frustration. Historically, the language is more formal, but the modern sections contain roughly two dozen instances of strong profanity. God's name is occasionally used in vain…
Read more — free accountDrugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Alcohol consumption including wine, scotch, and beer is frequent throughout different historical eras and the modern day. Some scenes involve modern drug use, specifically mentioned in the context of parties or Henry's social circle, including mentions of pills and marijuana. In Villon-sur-Sarthe, wine is a staple, while modern scenes feature characters drinking to cope with social anxiety or depression. Addie uses alcohol as a way to bridge the gap between herself and the people who will soon forget her. There…
Read more — free accountMature themes in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Heavy themes of isolation, erasure of self, and the fear of death. A major plot point revolves around clinical depression, the pressure of expectations, and the choice to end one's life as an escape from the burden of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is best for ages 17+. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a sophisticated historical fantasy and romance that explores themes of mortality, identity, and the desperation for human connection. The book earns its recommendation for older…
What age rating does The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue have?
Books don't carry official age ratings. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is shelved by its publisher as Adult, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 17+.
What reading level is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is 448 pages and its reading level is Adult / New Adult. Bontent recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue about?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a sophisticated historical fantasy and romance that explores themes of mortality, identity, and the desperation for human connection. The book earns its recommendation for older teens and adults due to themes of suicide, several scenes of moderate substance use (alcohol and drugs)…
Is there sex or nudity in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue?
The book contains several scenes of sexual intimacy, though they generally lack anatomical graphicness. There are depictions of casual sex, a long-term toxic liaison with the 'god of night' Luc, and an emotional yet physical relationship with Henry…
How violent is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue?
Violence is generally thematic or historical, including scenes of starvation, wartime peril during WWII, and physical altercations. The most impactful violence is the depiction of a suicide attempt via jumping from a roof, and the psychological torment…
Is the language in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue appropriate for kids?
Moderate profanity is used throughout, including the 'f-word' and various other curses like shit, hell, and damn. The language is typical of modern literary adult fiction, becoming more frequent in the sections set in contemporary New York. Henry and his…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue?
Alcohol consumption including wine, scotch, and beer is frequent throughout different historical eras and the modern day. Some scenes involve modern drug use, specifically mentioned in the context of parties or Henry's social circle, including mentions of…
What mature themes appear in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue?
Heavy themes of isolation, erasure of self, and the fear of death. A major plot point revolves around clinical depression, the pressure of expectations, and the choice to end one's life as an escape from the burden of living.
Where can I read the full The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue parent guide?
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