I know I have many favourite books but My Dark Vanessa is the one! I read this within 3 days and was unable to shut up about it! I thought I would share my review here as a dedicated post.
Heads up the book is VERY triggering! There is mention of rape, suicide, pedophilia, eating disorders, sexual assault and child pornography! Just a reminder that this is a very heavy and extremely dark book! The most beautiful story yet the saddest and traumatic story! Again, highly triggering so read the book with caution 🥲💔
Review
15yr old Vanessa enters into a ‘relationship’ with 42 year old Professor Strane! The story moves between past and present as Vanessa shares her ‘relationship’ with Strane! Vanessa was in denial for so long, thinking that she was in a consenting relationship with Strane! she did not see herself as a victim!
My Dark Vanessa is a reminder why fiction will always be more effective and superior!! The way Kate writes about the #MeToo movement from the victims perspective is so eye opening! You get to understand why some victims do not want to come forward with their stories and not be associated with their past!
I usually hate pop culture references in books but this was executed so well! You understand the context of the reference and are not cringey at all! The references help you see the age gap between Strane and Vanessa and how young and impressionable Vanessa is!
It also serves as a great reminder that that older man does not really think you are mature for your age…you are actually just easy to manipulate! The man is grooming you! There is simply no way a 15 year old can consent to having this type of sexual relationship with an adult! Strane is a manipulator, gaslighter and pedophile!! 🚩🚩
Spoilers *
To make matters worse, Vanessa lost her scholarship defending this man and his actions! Lying for him! It just goes to show you how it is so easy for older men to manipulate young teenage girls!
For a minute I had to ask myself why am I so mad at Vanessa when Strane is the real villain in this story? The denial was simply Vanessa’s way of coping….
I know he is a fictional character but JACOB STRANE IS MY MOST HATED EVIL CHARACTER EVER!
I will forever think about this book!