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horrorxwhore 's review for:
My Dark Vanessa
by Kate Elizabeth Russell
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't know if I can put into words how important this book is; I have so much respect for the author for handling such a delicate topic in a believable and trauma informed way. Kate Elizabeth Russell worked on this book for about fifteen years before publishing, and she has a lot to show for it. Though this book is heavy and graphic, off the bat I want to note that this book is not romanticizing abuse, as some comments say it does. What it does is show an imperfect victim, someone who was confused and manipulated into believing her life was a love story by her abuser. The story also highlights the bigger picture of how society reacts to victims of abuse, including Vanessa's own internalized misogyny.
I finally picked up this book as I began processing a past relationship that I hadn't been able to identify as abusive until recently. Though I wasn't in the same situation as Vanessa, many of her experiences and feelings are familiar and believable, and in a lot of ways this story was validating. Abuse and trauma are complex. There is a lot of confusion and grey area, and Kate Elizabeth Russell put into words many things that I was not able to.
I listened to the audiobook on Libby and ordered a physical copy before even finishing the book, as there are so many parts I wanted to come back to, highlight, and annotate. I thank the author for creating a story that can educate readers who don't identify with Vanessa, and hopefully be of some help to those who do identify with her. To all you survivors, I believe you.
If anyone is interested, the author put together a list of materials she used as resources and inspiration while writing this book, which you can find here on her website: https://kateelizabethrussell.com/reading-list
I finally picked up this book as I began processing a past relationship that I hadn't been able to identify as abusive until recently. Though I wasn't in the same situation as Vanessa, many of her experiences and feelings are familiar and believable, and in a lot of ways this story was validating. Abuse and trauma are complex. There is a lot of confusion and grey area, and Kate Elizabeth Russell put into words many things that I was not able to.
I listened to the audiobook on Libby and ordered a physical copy before even finishing the book, as there are so many parts I wanted to come back to, highlight, and annotate. I thank the author for creating a story that can educate readers who don't identify with Vanessa, and hopefully be of some help to those who do identify with her. To all you survivors, I believe you.
If anyone is interested, the author put together a list of materials she used as resources and inspiration while writing this book, which you can find here on her website: https://kateelizabethrussell.com/reading-list
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment