A review by sparkyreads
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

challenging dark reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I am utterly speechless. I knew next to nothing about the plot of the book before reading it, and I instantly fell into a black abyss, almost like a trance, until I finished this book. I find Russel's writing incredibly engaging and comfortable, but beautiful. I related to Vanessa in many ways, and I believe that Russel showed a deeper side of sexual assault, manipulation and rape. Like the book points out, victims of abuse are not just that - victims. Vanessa's thought process as she grows from a young girl unaware of what is happening to her, to a woman who is able to accept her past and move on is relatable. This book serves its' purpose as it shows the process that one has to go through to accept their trauma. It sometimes take years to even recognize it, especially in a case of manipulation and gaslighting. All of the character felt real, tactile. I felt like I was there, I was Vanessa's ghost, lurking, and observing everything that's happening, but never speaking up. I was there, in the classroom, in the car, in her apartment. I was Vanessa and I was Strayne. This story resonated with me, as I am sure it did with many girls and women, who probably experienced at least a sliver of Vanessa's tragic experiences. 
My few issues with this book are:
  • Britney Spears refferences. I do not get why she refferenced her in so many occassions, it seemed so out of place. 
  • The narratives between 2007. and 2017. felt intertwined. At times it was difficult to distinguish between these two narratives, as they both contradicted the 2001. narrative. The lines between these two years were somewhat blurred, and they were hard to follow at times.
  • The metaphores were cliche, and were boring to read. They were also repetetive. In some scenes they served their purpose (for example in Strayne's bedroom), but at other times they felt useless.
  • Some scenes were just way too graphic. I know that she wanted to make us disgusted with Strayne, but she did that so well with just his phrases and choice of words. She did that so well, that the graphic scenes were completely unnecesary and disturbing. Especially when she was younger. Too detailed and deffinitelly too traumatizing.
  • Also what's up withh all the J names???
Expand filter menu Content Warnings