A review by oatmilktea
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

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

5.0

My Dark Vanessa is a work of genius. I was invested right from the start and it really was hard to put down, however, I had to take breaks because the subject matter is hard to take at times. This is a devastating book. I urge you to check the trigger warnings before you pick it up! 

This book is nuanced, dark, and painful. It illustrates how abuse shapes and breaks a person, tackling the issue of victimhood, consent, and coercion.

I think the author does a fantastic job at
establishing Vanessa as an unreliable narrator. For instance, while Vanessa belittles Taylor's story (because Strane “only" touched her knee), the first time Vanessa has this experience of losing herself, being outside herself and being nothing, is right after Strane does the exact same thing to her.
This cognitive bias runs through the book like a common thread and is frustrating to read about but just so well written.
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