My Dark Vanessa Book Review

Title: My Dark Vanessa

Author: Kate Elizabeth Russell

Genre: Psychological Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Kate Elizabeth Russell’s debut novel, My Dark Vanessa, is a daunting work of literature promised to leave the reader enlightened and disturbed. The amalgamation of brilliant writing and intense depictions of trauma marks My Dark Vanessa a must-read with potential to be a modern day classic.

My Dark Vanessa is the harrowing story of 15 year old, Vanessa Wye, and her relationship with her 45 year old English teacher. The novel alternates between her perspective at 15 and 30 displaying her perplexed understanding of their relationship. The intricacies of grooming, manipulation, and denial are ever-present in both Vanessa’s and the reader's experience.

This novel is to be shelved beside Lolita, as this book is in ways a response to the controversial classic—an essential read in relation to the topic. My Dark Vanessa illustrates the uncomfortable aspects of phedophlic relationships, deromanticizing the potential misconstruity of stories like Lolita.

The captivating genius of the writing is found in both the prose and conciseness. Kate Elizabeth Russell has the ability to steal the heart and mind of her reader, exposing the scarring mental consumption of a victim.