David Strauss is Henry’s older brother. He’s a highly successful surgeon at the top of his field. Before Henry’s deal with Luc, David was judgmental of Henry for being so forlorn, unambitious (he doesn’t consider Henry’s job at The Last Word legitimate work) and aimless. After Henry’s deal with Luc enchants people to see Henry as “enough” just the way he is, David is suddenly loving and attentive toward Henry. Henry is initially happy that his family appreciates him as they never have before, but in time, he realizes that their feelings aren’t voluntary or real—they’re just the curse blinding them to reality.
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David Strauss Character Timeline in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
The timeline below shows where the character David Strauss appears in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Part 2, Chapter 1
...second job (the bookstore doesn’t pay much, and he can practically hear his older brother David complaining that the job doesn’t “lead” anywhere), but Henry loves the store. Plus, he doesn’t...
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Part 2, Chapter 5
...true. Muriel gets her order and joins Henry at the table. She tells Henry that David has been asking about him. “Why?” asks Henry; David never asks about Henry. Muriel scoffs...
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Part 4, Chapter 10
...Strauss family dinners are always stressful. Henry knows how dinner will go: Henry’s father and David will talk about medicine as Henry’s mother and Muriel will talk about art. Henry, meanwhile,...
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...is surprised when Henry’s father greets him with a smile, his eyes “threaded with fog.” David and Muriel greet Henry uncharacteristically warmly, too. Nobody criticizes his weight, clothing, or lack of...
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