hatelynmik 's review for:

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

4.0

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4.5! This book is a rough read. It’s uncomfortable, yet very important. It does a good job of showing the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. We follow Vanessa through all stages of the abuse she faces at the hands of her teacher and through all stages of grief that follows. It feels as if you are experiencing all of her emotions with her. The story takes place in two main time periods, one of them being the beginning of the “Me Too” movement. The author really shows all sides of the movement. Victims searching for justice, journalists seeking interaction, the skeptics, and the extreme backlash directed towards the victims who spoke out are all represented in this book.

I felt extremely hollow during this read, but left with a glimmer of hope at the end.