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A review by bobinsbooknook
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t think I’ve ever read such a gritty, dark and intense book and though it isn’t a book for everyone given the incredibly difficult nature of the plot … it is a fantastic read, though please check content warnings before reading!
The writing approach with the longer chapters and dual timeline really captured the slow manipulation and development of Vanessa’s mindset in a way which felt raw, challenging and outright heart breaking.
The characters themselves felt incredibly clever and multi-faceted. From grooming nature of the teacher which felt even me as the reader feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable to the clear obsessive attachment issues Vanessa adopts.
The plot itself did slow down in parts but still continued to keep me hooked and didn’t ease up or comprise on trying to unravel the trauma that Vanessa faces just for some nice tidy ending.
A very dark and challenging read but the author has created what’s feels like a very human depiction of trauma and denial. The writer balances Vanessa’s revision of an abuse as a romance as a coping mechanism without glorifying topics of sexual abuse between an adult & minor.
The writing approach with the longer chapters and dual timeline really captured the slow manipulation and development of Vanessa’s mindset in a way which felt raw, challenging and outright heart breaking.
The characters themselves felt incredibly clever and multi-faceted. From grooming nature of the teacher which felt even me as the reader feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable to the clear obsessive attachment issues Vanessa adopts.
The plot itself did slow down in parts but still continued to keep me hooked and didn’t ease up or comprise on trying to unravel the trauma that Vanessa faces just for some nice tidy ending.
A very dark and challenging read but the author has created what’s feels like a very human depiction of trauma and denial. The writer balances Vanessa’s revision of an abuse as a romance as a coping mechanism without glorifying topics of sexual abuse between an adult & minor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide