A review by libraryofdoe
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-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? It's complicated

5.0

This is the single most difficult book I’ve ever read. I considered DNFing many times during the first half and am so glad I didn’t. My Dark Vanessa is a beautifully written story about a woman coming to terms with the fact that the love she has based her life around was not love, and the man she has never betrayed is nothing short of a monster.

Vanessa is completely unlikeable for most of the book and this was such a breath of fresh air. A main character dealing with ongoing trauma who is not the perfect victim! Whilst this makes it harder to read the entire book from her perspective, coming to understand Vanessa and what makes her herself is such a profound experience. 

This novel is graphic in it depictions of pedophilia, rape, emotional and physical abuse, gaslighting, victim blaming, trauma and many many more things. Please be careful and check all trigger warnings before reading. Whilst I am to an extent the target audience and did research triggers before starting the book, I was not prepared at all.
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