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A review by orndal
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bit unsure, actually. To begin with i didn't really like it - Vanessa is dumb and naïve, get believes herself to be extraordinarily clever. She's told she has a depressive personality and has to look it up, so she can't be that clever.
But then again, who doesn't think they're superior at 15? and isn't that exactly what allows Strane to prey on her?
After the abuse she falls apart, yet she struggles to accept that Strane has any responsibility, because she doesn't want to be seen as a victim. Again, rather relatable, though it's incredibly infuriating.
Sadly though, it's just not well written. It doesn't flow well, the language doesn't really add up - i especially noticed a few "difficult" words just being thrown in wherever, but they don't really fit. But then again, that might be Vanessa's fault, as it's told in first person perspective. (which honestly limits how good a book can be, in my opinion.)
Thing is, the themes in this book are very grown up, there's an underlying need for political and intellectual awareness (lolita references aside), but the book itself is in no way shape or form written for an adult, so who is this really for??
But then again, who doesn't think they're superior at 15? and isn't that exactly what allows Strane to prey on her?
After the abuse she falls apart, yet she struggles to accept that Strane has any responsibility, because she doesn't want to be seen as a victim. Again, rather relatable, though it's incredibly infuriating.
Sadly though, it's just not well written. It doesn't flow well, the language doesn't really add up - i especially noticed a few "difficult" words just being thrown in wherever, but they don't really fit. But then again, that might be Vanessa's fault, as it's told in first person perspective. (which honestly limits how good a book can be, in my opinion.)
Thing is, the themes in this book are very grown up, there's an underlying need for political and intellectual awareness (lolita references aside), but the book itself is in no way shape or form written for an adult, so who is this really for??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Suicide, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, and Body shaming
Minor: Vomit, Violence, and Cancer