Scan barcode
A review by zorhose
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
5.0
I couldn't put this down until I finished it and I was constantly disturbed throughout.
The writing is so good and realistic that I had to catch myself throughout wondering if this was based on the actual real life experience of the author, despite the disclaimer at the beginning of the book claiming it wasn't.
I'm glad the audiobook I listened to included an interview with the author which provided more context and I know that society loves to treat female authors like the only way they could come up with complex stories is if they are autobiographical and I don't want to discredit Russell in that way.
She weaves so many different elements together with ease and creates a story about abuse without seeming preachy, but without sympathizing with the abuser. Vanessa is one of the best written characters I've read about in a while. She feels like someone I could run into on the street.
The writing is so good and realistic that I had to catch myself throughout wondering if this was based on the actual real life experience of the author, despite the disclaimer at the beginning of the book claiming it wasn't.
I'm glad the audiobook I listened to included an interview with the author which provided more context and I know that society loves to treat female authors like the only way they could come up with complex stories is if they are autobiographical and I don't want to discredit Russell in that way.
She weaves so many different elements together with ease and creates a story about abuse without seeming preachy, but without sympathizing with the abuser. Vanessa is one of the best written characters I've read about in a while. She feels like someone I could run into on the street.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Drug use and Eating disorder
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent