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Kate Elizabeth Russell: My Dark Vanessa (2020, HarperCollins Publishers)

Review of 'My dark Vanessa' on 'Goodreads'

The subject matter of this novel is obviously disturbing, but it’s worth reading, and not just because of its potential for other victims to see themselves reflected. The development of the main character over time, told through flashbacks to two different time periods, is exceptionally well-written and believable, and makes even those of us who are not victims of abuse reflect on the way we contextualize our memories and tell our own stories, and how that changes as we grow older and gain more insight into ourselves. The way it sheds light on how abusers can gaslight their victims so thoroughly that they end up trained to gaslight themselves was also very well-done. A fascinating and timely read for those who are able to get through the upsetting fundamentals of the story.