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tencutepuppies's review against another edition
5.0
It speaks to the author’s skill that this story was immensely disgusting, horrifying, hard to read and simultaneously beautiful and addicting, basically every single sentence packing a punch. I found it full of nuance, especially given that Vanessa is very far from the stereotypical “perfect victim.” So so so well done.
plaidcoaster's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kirstencholewa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
A very complex and poignant, but very difficult read. This book does a great job of making you look at our society and adult minor relationships. It serves as a reminder to allow survivors to tell their stories as they see fit and to not make assumptions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Dysphoria, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Suicide, Drug use, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
mushroom55's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
shaleen64's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.25
There’s no denying that the content of this book makes for difficult reading. However, the way in which it is written is skilful and tactful. It explores the issues of sexual abuse with no romanticism but raw honesty and forces you to reflect on your own perceptions of both survivors and perpetrators. A thought provoking book that needs to be read by people from all demographics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexual violence, and Drug use
Minor: Suicide, Death of parent, and Animal death
readcharlotte's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic! This follows Vanessa as she's groomed by her 40 year old English teacher as a HS sophomore, and then the trauma she experiences as an adult. I usually hate books like this that depict abuse and trauma because the feel so contrived and overly dramatic to make a statement, but this was so real and raw. When you're reading about 15 year old Vanessa, you see how she was susceptible and how it happened. I know sometimes I wonder how something like this, which happens, can really happen, and then watching it with Vannesa it's so believable and tragic to see her nativity. Another thing is I hate the trope of dark, misunderstood girl who sleeps with her English teacher thinking it makes her deep - but this didn't do that, so don't worry!! Easily one of my favorites so far this year, because it really makes you appreciate the side of the story we don't always get to see.
sambo_0103's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Pedophilia, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
crlopez2013's review against another edition
5.0
Painful, raw, and gut wrenchingly real. Devoured this in 2 sittings. Vanessa is frustratingly flawed in ways only trauma can create. Very powerful piece of literature.
tonatyuh's review against another edition
5.0
Truly remarkable.
This novel consumed me as much as I did it. In a way, it was unhealthy to be so invested in this story but so much of me found itself in Vanessa it was hard to not think about it whenever I wasn't flipping through its pages.
What Vanessa goes through in this novel is so much, that it feels like that whenever reading the novel. Like so much. But it's necessary to do so, and for me it was necessary to see what happened to Vanessa at the end of the novel.
Obviously, trigger warnings galore, but I assume everyone knows by now the content of this book. For me, it felt like reliving something familiar yet blocked off, and while this will affect everyone in a different way, for me it just felt necessary.
So so good and the writing is so so good I can't wait to read whatever Russel writes next.
This novel consumed me as much as I did it. In a way, it was unhealthy to be so invested in this story but so much of me found itself in Vanessa it was hard to not think about it whenever I wasn't flipping through its pages.
What Vanessa goes through in this novel is so much, that it feels like that whenever reading the novel. Like so much. But it's necessary to do so, and for me it was necessary to see what happened to Vanessa at the end of the novel.
Obviously, trigger warnings galore, but I assume everyone knows by now the content of this book. For me, it felt like reliving something familiar yet blocked off, and while this will affect everyone in a different way, for me it just felt necessary.
So so good and the writing is so so good I can't wait to read whatever Russel writes next.