“I remember you.”

I finished this book a few hours back and I want to write this review now before I forget all the emotions this book made me feel. I haven’t read a lot over the past month and was drifting looking for a new book to read. I usually screenshot book recommendations from other bloggers that spike my interest and go through those to find my next read. Fellow blogger, Imi, recommended this book to me and I decided to give it a try.

STORY– Addie LaRue is a young woman living in a small village in France in the 1700s. She has always dreamt of a life that isn’t confined to the perimeter of her village; a life more than just marriage and kids. On the night of her marriage, Addie runs away and in desperation makes a deal with the Devil. A long life, long enough to travel and see the world and whenever she is tired of her life – her soul is the devil’s to take. Only that the devil doesn’t make such easy deals – he curses her to a long life where no one will ever remember her – whoever she meets will forget her the second they turn their back to her. And so Addie lives life like that for 300 years, lost in people’s memories – until she stumbles upon a boy (Henry Strauss) in a book shop in New York – a boy who remembers her.

REVIEW – The book has a very slow start, the initial 20% of the book had me very disinterested. But it picked up pace with Henry’s entry and then I was hooked.

Things I Liked –

• Henry Strauss – I was only hooked to the book because of him. I could relate with Henry SO much. I literally teared up the entire time I was reading his story cause it almost felt like I was reading my own story. I highlighted so many portions of his story. I would tell you more but it would spoil the book for you.
• Luc- You know I date THE worst people because I was so crushing on the devil! I love the devil’s character in the book. I looked forward to his appearance and I liked how the author almost humanizes him.
• The historical aspects and people sprinkled across the novel. I loved the snippets of history and the historical people that the author mentioned across the length of Addie’s journey. I just wish there was more emphasis on them.
• The book gave me hope and made me cry a lot. I know it is going to sound weird but I love books, movies and art that move me enough to get me crying.

Things I Didn’t Like –

• I didn’t really like Addie’s character – I felt like the author didn’t give us much to fall in love with – no characteristics, no experiences – I didn’t feel very connected to her. The author sort of made her character – a rebel without a cause.
• Addie’s adventures weren’t very exciting. For someone who bartered their soul for time to go on adventures – her adventures were all around very regular and mostly around men and love. While I understand she had to work around her curse and then figure out life – but it just feels like she could have done so much more in 300 years. She instead focuses her energy on her fight with the devil which is such a waste of 300 years and a lot of pages.
• Her yearning for a man/woman to love her makes her whole escape from the humdrum of married life seem moot. I mean I get that we all want to be loved but the story focuses so much on it that it almost makes you wonder why she ran away from a husband and a married life.
• The ending – it was extremely predictable – I knew what was going to happen and if you are an avid reader/movie watcher – you will know it from a few hundred pages before. I kept waiting for that twist but it never came.

VERDICT – I enjoyed reading the book. It took a while for it to grow on me but I was hooked to the story in the second half. I balled my eyes out while reading the later bits. I love a good love story! Was it the best book I’ve read? No. But it is definitely worth a read especially if you like romantic books. I’d give this book a 7.5/10.

Find the book on Amazon here.

If you enjoyed this review, check out my other book reviews here.

What are you reading currently? I’d love some recommendation for short stories!

Wondering what to read next? Check out my other recent posts –

• Monsoon Vacation in the Hills
• Things I Haven’t Been Liking About Myself This Year
• February 2023: Reads & Update
• Working Title
• Why Am I Scared?