Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by jestareader
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Kate Russell's writing manages to tell such a horrible story with a captivating skill.
Grace Gunner brings it to life with a talent that proves audiobook narration is an art form.
After finishing the book, I have learned something dark and essential about life, culture, and girlhood. Russell expresses the reality of growing up a girl with observations I have felt but never could put into words.
It's strange that a book with such horrible themes was captivating. Still, Gunner and Russel's work creates a relationship between the reader and Vanessa that is so intriguing that you cannot leave the story. Many scenes will make you feel sick, angry, and heartbroken. However, such knowledgeable handling of the reality of trauma and survival saves this book from being sensational and yanks the roots of our Western culture out from the ground to shine a light on its real and impactful flaws.
It's dark, but it is incredible.
And I fear the romanticization of it I see on tumblr misses its point. This is not a love story.
Grace Gunner brings it to life with a talent that proves audiobook narration is an art form.
After finishing the book, I have learned something dark and essential about life, culture, and girlhood. Russell expresses the reality of growing up a girl with observations I have felt but never could put into words.
It's strange that a book with such horrible themes was captivating. Still, Gunner and Russel's work creates a relationship between the reader and Vanessa that is so intriguing that you cannot leave the story. Many scenes will make you feel sick, angry, and heartbroken. However, such knowledgeable handling of the reality of trauma and survival saves this book from being sensational and yanks the roots of our Western culture out from the ground to shine a light on its real and impactful flaws.
It's dark, but it is incredible.
And I fear the romanticization of it I see on tumblr misses its point. This is not a love story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicide, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Cancer