[2] 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.

Due to heavy familial pressures placed on him, Henry had felt bogged down in his life, and a failed proposal made him attempt suicide.

The pair leave the bookstore, and Addie vows to herself that no matter how long it takes her, she will make Luc hate her again as he once did so he can cast her away and she can regain freedom once again.

[3] Caitlyn Paxson at NPR praised the novel, particularly the attention to art: "her seven signature freckles...she has attempted to imprint herself in an artist's mind...fleeting impressions of a forgotten immortal.

"[5] Ellen Morton from The Washington Post called it a "tour de force," commending the momentum, contemplative story, and explorations of identity.

Schwab is reported to have penned the early drafts of the screenplay before handing it off to husband-wife duo Augustine Frizzell and David Lowery; the former of the two also planned to direct the film.