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A review by kolorful_kay_reads
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5.0
"My Dark Vanessa" is so much MORE than many of the reviews state and more in-depth than any of the novels I've read about with this topic. Though, yes, there are graphic scenes - this story is not about abuse. This is a story about a victim living with the shame of their abuse and how their (and their support systems') responses to trauma cause cyclical, additional trauma and shame to form. It isn't a rape scene that will break a reader down; it will break you to see how women are repeatedly used and shamed by their friends and families, the systems created to prevent these atrocious acts from happening again, and their own selves. If you have ever found yourself thinking "I don't understand why she didn't tell somebody" or "She should have come-forward sooner," this book is a read for you.
I would like to note something for potential readers that is not a criticism of the book, but a helpful tip for readers. Referring to this book as a "Must read" is dangerous - trigger warnings aside with that comment. It should be noted that this book gives a perfect view into Vanessa's trauma but Vanessa is not all women. And that's where my caution lies. If you read this book, you will not be all-knowing; you need to continue to read. There are many reactions to trauma that are impacted by topics not included in this book (and do not need to be included in the novel, given the background of the titular character). There is some nods to socioeconomic status and gender, and little-to-none on race. My next read is "Excavation" by Wendy C. Ortiz, if you're looking for additional recommendations.
Given my background, I'm going to include some very specific trigger warnings below. Please note that this is meant to help other survivors and won't contain explicit spoilers, but may be more than most people would like to know.
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.
.
.
* Explicit rape scenes, albeit short
* Journalism and social media is included in the storyline
* Mismanagement of cases is included in the storyline and, depending on the individual, it should be noted police are not involved
* This book spends excessive time discussing things you may have done to take control that further exacerbated shame and self-loathing
I would like to note something for potential readers that is not a criticism of the book, but a helpful tip for readers. Referring to this book as a "Must read" is dangerous - trigger warnings aside with that comment. It should be noted that this book gives a perfect view into Vanessa's trauma but Vanessa is not all women. And that's where my caution lies. If you read this book, you will not be all-knowing; you need to continue to read. There are many reactions to trauma that are impacted by topics not included in this book (and do not need to be included in the novel, given the background of the titular character). There is some nods to socioeconomic status and gender, and little-to-none on race. My next read is "Excavation" by Wendy C. Ortiz, if you're looking for additional recommendations.
Given my background, I'm going to include some very specific trigger warnings below. Please note that this is meant to help other survivors and won't contain explicit spoilers, but may be more than most people would like to know.
.
.
.
.
* Explicit rape scenes, albeit short
* Journalism and social media is included in the storyline
* Mismanagement of cases is included in the storyline and, depending on the individual, it should be noted police are not involved
* This book spends excessive time discussing things you may have done to take control that further exacerbated shame and self-loathing