A review by rosalind
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“Enjoy” is not a word I can apply to this novel. I read it every chance I got, but also had to put it down at regular intervals for fear of getting swept away by the sheer melancholy horror of the tale. It’s disturbing, of course, and not simply for the general subject matter. What is most jarring, to a modern-day feminist mindset, is viewing the whole story from the point of view of a narrator who is so thoroughly in denial about her own trauma that she becomes hardened and unfeeling towards the damage inflicted on others and herself. Whilst this is challenging to read and at times makes for slow or repetitive-sounding progress, it is crucial to the novel’s incisive exploration of the profound, ongoing consequences of grooming and abuse. 

I’d be cautious about recommending the book as I know it will be immensely triggering for some and unfathomable to others, but I applaud its brave honesty and its contribution to the #MeToo movement. A stunning read I hope to never revisit - and I mean that as a compliment.
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