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A review by hailey_reads16
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! READ WITH CAUTION!
The whole time I was reading this, I was waiting for the chapter where she’d finally turn him in. From the beginning, I assumed that’s how this would end, but seeing the direction that the author decided to take it all, it was really interesting. I feel like this book is alot more realistic than other books surrounding this topic tend to be. Strane ruined everything about Vanessa, controlled every aspect of her life, he was absolutely horrible. The man made me want to scream, cry, and throw up the whole novel. I 100% see why people may deem this book as controversial because the way Vanessa is written to be partial towards the man who abused her. But, I feel like that’s just really realistic. She was 15, a literal child, she grew attached to the person who paid her the most attention, who believed she was special.
I really liked this book, for how unique it was. The writing was great, and the way it was split up, junping from her past-self to the present… chefs kiss 💋. It made me want to scream at some parts, especially with how graphic it is, but I really enjoyed it. It shows the side of sexual abuse and trauma that isn’t really talked about alot. If you are mentally prepared for this, i’d definitely recommend.
The whole time I was reading this, I was waiting for the chapter where she’d finally turn him in. From the beginning, I assumed that’s how this would end, but seeing the direction that the author decided to take it all, it was really interesting. I feel like this book is alot more realistic than other books surrounding this topic tend to be. Strane ruined everything about Vanessa, controlled every aspect of her life, he was absolutely horrible. The man made me want to scream, cry, and throw up the whole novel. I 100% see why people may deem this book as controversial because the way Vanessa is written to be partial towards the man who abused her. But, I feel like that’s just really realistic. She was 15, a literal child, she grew attached to the person who paid her the most attention, who believed she was special.
I really liked this book, for how unique it was. The writing was great, and the way it was split up, junping from her past-self to the present… chefs kiss 💋. It made me want to scream at some parts, especially with how graphic it is, but I really enjoyed it. It shows the side of sexual abuse and trauma that isn’t really talked about alot. If you are mentally prepared for this, i’d definitely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Rape, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Death, and Death of parent