A review by katerinatroyanovich
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

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

5.0

My Dark Vanessa absolutely destroyed me. Russell does a fantastic job of writing a teenage girl with all of the typical naivety, obsession, and hope that accompanies that age. It was so relatable that I felt like I was Vanessa. That could be me. Russell skillfully tells this story of manipulation and abuse from the perspective of a young girl who wants it to be love. How can you know the difference if it’s nuanced, there are good moments among the bad, and you want so desperately to be seen; to be understood and touched, special and cherished. From this perspective it’s easy to see how a young girl could find herself teetering on the knife’s edge of right and wrong, self-blame and victimhood, love and disgust, morality and depravity. I wish I read this with a book club because I am currently reeling. There’s so much pain and tumult and truth to dissect here. I absolutely recommend this book but check trigger warnings first. This one is going to punch you in the gut and the feeling will linger. 
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