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thereadingmum 's review for:
My Dark Vanessa
by Kate Elizabeth Russell
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found this book disgusting, fascinating and thought-provoking. Honestly, it's very hard to review this book objectively. Yes it's written well, yes, the characters are very well done, but there's so much more to it that would speak to everyone on a personal level. The statistics for abuse are pretty horrific, but that might just be because we are much more aware of it today than say a century ago. Therefore it is highly likely that it has touched almost everyone in some way.
What was fascinating was Vanessa's psychology and how she experienced and dealt with what happened to her both during and after the fact. You could tell from the narrative that she knew the truth from the start, but rationalised it because she wanted to and had to as a form of protection.
As a mum to a 10-year-old, it was very frightening but also enlightening and I hope will help me to help my daughter navigate a very difficult time of life.
If you're the sort of person who reads to escape reality, then please don't read this book.
What was fascinating was Vanessa's psychology and how she experienced and dealt with what happened to her both during and after the fact. You could tell from the narrative that she knew the truth from the start, but rationalised it because she wanted to and had to as a form of protection.
As a mum to a 10-year-old, it was very frightening but also enlightening and I hope will help me to help my daughter navigate a very difficult time of life.
If you're the sort of person who reads to escape reality, then please don't read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Suicide