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A review by cecilialau_
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5.0
I am in awe.
This book was frustrating to no end with how human and inhuman it was. Such brilliant storytelling that keeps you turning page after page until the very end. I’ve just put it down, and I honestly feel it was a masterpiece. Heartbreakingly raw and with incredibly crafted ambivalence in the feelings of guilt on Vanessa’s part. I could go on in praising this book. It really is a tough read while a read that I think, if you can, it offers a unique insight to sth that we as a society simply cannot ignore. It’s so nuanced and insightful and all-encompassing and, yeah, wow.
It goes without saying that Strane is a manipulative pos. To put it mildly. I was also horrified by Mrs. Giles, a truly terrible person who lack any and all sense of empathy and care and compassion and integrity. I could go on. Absolutely disgusted with her as well. Again, speaks to the great writing bc we all know that her behaviour is fully unacceptable.
This book was frustrating to no end with how human and inhuman it was. Such brilliant storytelling that keeps you turning page after page until the very end. I’ve just put it down, and I honestly feel it was a masterpiece. Heartbreakingly raw and with incredibly crafted ambivalence in the feelings of guilt on Vanessa’s part. I could go on in praising this book. It really is a tough read while a read that I think, if you can, it offers a unique insight to sth that we as a society simply cannot ignore. It’s so nuanced and insightful and all-encompassing and, yeah, wow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Gaslighting, and Rape
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Animal death, Death of parent, Self harm, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Drug use, Dysphoria, Stalking, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Pedophilia