A review by natashajade
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

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

5.0

Writing a novel on a predatory, paedophilic relationship where the main character isn't aware it's abuse and views it as a love story is so incredibly difficult, not to mention controversial, but its done perfectly. So realistic to the point one scene actually sent me into full blown dissociation as it was almost as if it had been taken out of my memory from my own past, right down the feelings experienced. 

I don't think this book could've been improved upon in any way, it captures perfectly what its like to be in the mind of a teenage girl who romanticises her abuse, and what it is like when that romanticism continues into adulthood.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings