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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
“I just really need it to be a love story. You know? I really, really need it to be that; because if it isn’t a love story, then what is it?”
This story is about 15 year old Vanessa Wye, and the relationship she had with her English teacher, who was almost 30 years older than her. Her story begins in 2000, following the development of their relationship, and continues into Vanessa’s adulthood to 2017, where she is now 32 years old; and her former teacher is being accused of sexual abuse by other students.
I can’t tell you how many times I had to put this book down and walk away. I had to occupy my mind with something funny, and doom-scroll on tiktok, to stop my brain from getting too attached to these words. The story is so emotionally charged, and you feel sick to your stomach, but you’re so drawn to the story. It’s so heavy.
So, please - Even if you’re someone, like me, who doesn’t typically look at trigger warnings before reading, check before starting this book.
How do I rate something as traumatic and dark as this? This was a 5 star read for the writing, alone. The way Kate Elizabeth Russell was able to accurately capture what it’s like to go through such a traumatic time through the eyes of a young girl, and the struggle that followed her for years into adulthood, is truly heartbreaking.
“I don’t think I remember anything about myself that happened before him.”
This story is about 15 year old Vanessa Wye, and the relationship she had with her English teacher, who was almost 30 years older than her. Her story begins in 2000, following the development of their relationship, and continues into Vanessa’s adulthood to 2017, where she is now 32 years old; and her former teacher is being accused of sexual abuse by other students.
I can’t tell you how many times I had to put this book down and walk away. I had to occupy my mind with something funny, and doom-scroll on tiktok, to stop my brain from getting too attached to these words. The story is so emotionally charged, and you feel sick to your stomach, but you’re so drawn to the story. It’s so heavy.
So, please - Even if you’re someone, like me, who doesn’t typically look at trigger warnings before reading, check before starting this book.
How do I rate something as traumatic and dark as this? This was a 5 star read for the writing, alone. The way Kate Elizabeth Russell was able to accurately capture what it’s like to go through such a traumatic time through the eyes of a young girl, and the struggle that followed her for years into adulthood, is truly heartbreaking.
“I don’t think I remember anything about myself that happened before him.”
this novel feels like a response to Lolita, which I read a few months ago. this book started off great, never underestimating the readers but also portraying a realistic 15 year old. honestly, I relate to Vanessa a lot. this book read very dark academia, exploring different schooling systems but also the unfortunate rise of pedophilia in the school systems. the reason this is not a five star which it definitely had potential to be, is because this book dragged near the end and I felt a little bored in some parts. however, this novel was very strong and a great debut from Russell. can't wait to read whatever she writes next.
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Im glad I bought this. What she went through resonated with me, but also I'm a sucker for an unreliable narrator.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This. Is. Disgusting.
Goodreads challenge book.
Also, this is way longer than needed to express the depravity.
I couldn’t wait to finish this.
What to expect:
- Dual timeline
Audiobook:
- Single narrator
Pacing:
- Painfully Bored
Recommend:
Not from my perspective but it looks like I’m an outlier.
My Dark Vanessa, definitely one of the hardest book I've ever read.
And honestly, I think it s a must to read.
Reading MDV made me understand why my parents where strict with me, and I have a glimpse on what kind of mother I might be in the futur *spoiler alert* a very strict one.
Diving into this book made me both feel sad and angry toward Vanessa but mostly I felt that we could all be Vanessa if we weren't already.
And honestly, I think it s a must to read.
Reading MDV made me understand why my parents where strict with me, and I have a glimpse on what kind of mother I might be in the futur *spoiler alert* a very strict one.
Diving into this book made me both feel sad and angry toward Vanessa but mostly I felt that we could all be Vanessa if we weren't already.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated