A review by lifeofchrstnlvly
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

When Strane and I met, I was fifteen and he was forty-two.

My Dark Vanessa was one of the hardest books I ever read because of how raw it was. It explored the effects of abuse, particularly grooming. It had a plot, but it was more character driven. It was beautifully written you can't help but be disgusted and angry, both at the abusers and our society. The ending was not satisfactory for some, but let's face it: this is our reality. 

But what have they done when faced with situations in which they could actually make a difference?

What did you do when someone told you a story about how they were abused? Did you tell them to move past it? Did you ask them they are just imagining things? Did you believe them? 

Or were you one of the (rare) people in this awful society who actually helped them? (side note: this book made me appreciate my mom for always sticking up for me) 

Please, please, please search CWs and ensure you are in the right state of mind before reading this book. While it is beautifully written because it perfectly depicted how grooming works, some parts are triggering even if you didn't experience grooming personally. 
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