Reviews

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

ghost_reader20's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

fern_forest's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

sarah_lo's review against another edition

challenging sad slow-paced

3.0

pmmdive26's review against another edition

dark emotional medium-paced

4.0

kelsey1997's review

dark emotional sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

nkaori's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

afp333's review against another edition

4.0

So. Many. Emotions.

tencutepuppies's review against another edition

5.0

It speaks to the author’s skill that this story was immensely disgusting, horrifying, hard to read and simultaneously beautiful and addicting, basically every single sentence packing a punch. I found it full of nuance, especially given that Vanessa is very far from the stereotypical “perfect victim.” So so so well done.

plaidcoaster's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

kirstencholewa's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A very complex and poignant, but very difficult read. This book does a great job of making you look at our society and adult minor relationships. It serves as a reminder to allow survivors to tell their stories as they see fit and to not make assumptions.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Dysphoria, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Suicide, Drug use, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence