A review by presleymarie85
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
4.75
My Dark Vanessa is a dark and uncomfortable read, but written so profoundly, the words cling to your skin long after you've tried washing them away. My Dark Vanessa tells the story of Vanessa Wye and the grooming she endures at the age of 15 by her boarding school English teacher. The story is told in alternating timelines, in the past Vanessa at 15 grapples with what is happening to her and romanticizes the grooming that was occurring, as well as an older Vanessa now grown and still dealing with the fallout of what Jacob Strane has done to her, and now possibly other students. Another victim has come forward to tell her story of abuse at the hands of Strane, and Jenny wants Vanessa to come forward too. But Vanessa doesn't see herself as a victim but a willing participant, because if she saw herself for what the relationship was, would she be then a victim as well? This is a very heavy book, many times I had to take a break because it's so uncomfortable at times. If you are sensitive to this kind of subject, please consider skipping reading My Dark Vanessa.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Drug use
My Dark Vanessa is a dark and uncomfortable read, but written so profoundly, the words cling to your skin long after you've tried washing them away. My Dark Vanessa tells the story of Vanessa Wye and the grooming she endures at the age of 15 by her boarding school English teacher. The story is told in alternating timelines, in the past Vanessa at 15 grapples with what is happening to her and romanticizes the grooming that was occurring, as well as an older Vanessa now grown and still dealing with the fallout of what Jacob Strane has done to her, and now possibly other students. Another victim has come forward to tell her story of abuse at the hands of Strane, and Jenny wants Vanessa to come forward too. But Vanessa doesn't see herself as a victim but a willing participant, because if she saw herself for what the relationship was, would she be then a victim as well? This is a very heavy book, many times I had to take a break because it's so uncomfortable at times. If you are sensitive to this kind of subject, please consider skipping reading My Dark Vanessa.