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A review by lucy_readsbooks13
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I honestly have no idea how I feel about this.
This managed to make me feel so angry, sad, and confused at the same time.
The writing is beautiful, this author managed to write something so disgusting and terrible in a way that makes you want to read it.
It was difficult to start, I read the whole first chapter and was about halfway through the second when I had to put it down for a week, just to mentally prepare myself and make sure my head was in the right place.
Vanessa made me feel bad for her, made me root for her, and made me want to punch her in the face with some of her decisions, and even now, I can't say I like her as a character, and if she was a real person (and unfortunately Vanessa does exist out there) I would give my best to try and help her and support her because this world failed her. Her family, friends, system...
Truly a brilliant piece of writing, and I hope that someday, not soon though, I find the strength to read it again, truly focusing, not just on the book and the story itself, but the writing.
Descriptions of manipulation, threats, violence... One of the best books I've read in my life, and definitely the best one I've read this year.
This managed to make me feel so angry, sad, and confused at the same time.
The writing is beautiful, this author managed to write something so disgusting and terrible in a way that makes you want to read it.
It was difficult to start, I read the whole first chapter and was about halfway through the second when I had to put it down for a week, just to mentally prepare myself and make sure my head was in the right place.
Vanessa made me feel bad for her, made me root for her, and made me want to punch her in the face with some of her decisions, and even now, I can't say I like her as a character, and if she was a real person (and unfortunately Vanessa does exist out there) I would give my best to try and help her and support her because this world failed her. Her family, friends, system...
Truly a brilliant piece of writing, and I hope that someday, not soon though, I find the strength to read it again, truly focusing, not just on the book and the story itself, but the writing.
Descriptions of manipulation, threats, violence... One of the best books I've read in my life, and definitely the best one I've read this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Vomit, Stalking, Death of parent, and Abandonment