A review by diedaahh
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

challenging dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

''I just really need it to be a love story. You know? I really, really need it to be that. Because if it isn't a love story, then what is it?"

I devoured this book in like two days. It's genuinely impressive how well Kate is able to lay down the mindset of a 15-year-old. The way she eases you into "the affair". The way you find yourself making excuses just like Vanessa only for her to hit you with a truck full of disgust reminding you that nothing about this is okay leaving you simply wanting to rescue her (Vanessa's) stubborn ass from the boatload of trauma she is about to experience.  

I think Vanessa's perspective is a unique one. There are after all victims like her that just want to forget it happened and move on, victims who don't feel comfortable stepping forward  
―in a world that would scrutinize every provided detail or account only to jump in relief as soon as a man claims slander. ― or victims who don't even think they are victims at all.
Adding the 2017 perspective to the book and seeing how big of an effect Strane still has on her life was a valuable addition to the story.
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