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abbie_ 's review for:
My Dark Vanessa
by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Thank you so much @4thestatebooks for allowing me the privilege of reading an early copy of this book. It’s being hailed as one of the most powerful, explosive books of 2020 and I fully concur. I fell head over heels for this one, completely obsessed to the point where I couldn’t do anything else until I finished it. It’s supremely uncomfortable, unsettling, disturbing, and completely necessary for our time. If you know anyone who has a tendency towards victim blaming in grooming and sexual abuse cases, buy them this book.
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Vanessa Wye is 15 years old when she first has sex with her teacher. Now, 17 years later, another former student of this teacher comes forward with allegations of sexual abuse, forcing Vanessa to reassess what she still thinks of as the greatest love of her life.
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For the entirety of this book you are inside Vanessa’s head and I am so grateful Russell kept it this way. Unlike Lolita, when you’re in the head of the despicable Humbert Humbert, here we’re with Lolita and we’re privy to the full, devastating effects of grooming. From Vanessa’s perspective we can see the sickening ways the abuser attempts to justify what they’re doing, making it seem like an alluring prospect, convincing the victim that they’re different, special, more mature, an exception to the law. We see the various ways they trap them, the gaslighting and manipulation, the way their twisted logic can make the victim believe they hold the power, they’re calling the shots when actually they are powerless.
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Russell also captures the hot mess that is social media during high profile (and not) sexual abuse cases, with the endless accusations of women lying, exaggerating, receiving death and rape threats for having the courage to come forward, and of course those who come out in support of the abuser because they ‘don’t seem like the type’ or ‘don’t deserve to have their lives ruined over something both parties wanted’. Yes you will feel physically ill while reading this one, but if you can handle it, then I would highly recommend you read it. Not everyone will be able to, as there are obviously huge triggers for sexual abuse and rape.
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I loved the ending. Nothing is wrapped up with a bow, as nothing ever is for those who have suffered in this way. Heartbreaking yet hopeful.
.
Vanessa Wye is 15 years old when she first has sex with her teacher. Now, 17 years later, another former student of this teacher comes forward with allegations of sexual abuse, forcing Vanessa to reassess what she still thinks of as the greatest love of her life.
.
For the entirety of this book you are inside Vanessa’s head and I am so grateful Russell kept it this way. Unlike Lolita, when you’re in the head of the despicable Humbert Humbert, here we’re with Lolita and we’re privy to the full, devastating effects of grooming. From Vanessa’s perspective we can see the sickening ways the abuser attempts to justify what they’re doing, making it seem like an alluring prospect, convincing the victim that they’re different, special, more mature, an exception to the law. We see the various ways they trap them, the gaslighting and manipulation, the way their twisted logic can make the victim believe they hold the power, they’re calling the shots when actually they are powerless.
.
Russell also captures the hot mess that is social media during high profile (and not) sexual abuse cases, with the endless accusations of women lying, exaggerating, receiving death and rape threats for having the courage to come forward, and of course those who come out in support of the abuser because they ‘don’t seem like the type’ or ‘don’t deserve to have their lives ruined over something both parties wanted’. Yes you will feel physically ill while reading this one, but if you can handle it, then I would highly recommend you read it. Not everyone will be able to, as there are obviously huge triggers for sexual abuse and rape.
.
I loved the ending. Nothing is wrapped up with a bow, as nothing ever is for those who have suffered in this way. Heartbreaking yet hopeful.