A review by hate_crimed_at_chilis
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I liked to listen to Lana del Rey while reading specifically chemtrails over the country club
Spoilers??

I really hated reading this, especially the first half of the book because it is so cloaked with denial and disturbing behaviour. I didn’t find it that well written… maybe that was the point? Whatever I don’t really care. I did appreciate those tiny clues that show doubt in the toxic narrative she (and strane) tell herself, and then the immediate dismissal.  The ending makes it worth it… at least for me. I never expected for her to develop as a character. Although it can be seen as a minor change when you’re in such an emotionally turbulent state, it’s actually massive. Seeing her transition from clinging onto survival to starting to have hope for the future was beautiful. I liked the nuance it gave survivors of sexual abuse/harassment, the differing expectations that society demands from them and their guilt. 
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