A review by emamazee
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I went into this book aware that it had some heavy subject matter as the main plot point. It's overly graphic scenes where juxtaposed with some beautiful imagery when describing the character's dissociation from traumatic events. I was hopeful that there would be a redemptive ending but was left disappointed. To place a lighthearted view to a dark, emotionally-exhausting narrative, my take away is that adopting a dog will heal all emotional scars and anyone who is mean to a dog is inherently evil. 
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