A haunting, provocative debut that examines the complexities of consent, memory, and abuse. Vanessa Wye, a fifteen-year-old student, becomes entangled in a relationship with her charismatic teacher — and years later, when accusations against him surface, she must confront the truth of her past and its devastating impact. Kate Elizabeth Russell’sMy Dark Vanessa is both unsettling and deeply compelling, sparking vital conversations about power, trauma, and survival.
Goodreads readers call it “unflinching, powerful, and unforgettable.” Its honesty is undeniable, earning it a 4.0/5 rating.
Perfect for readers of Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, and Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller. Widely discussed for its raw portrayal of grooming and trauma. The quote that lingers: “Memory is a dark place, and Vanessa lives there.”
A trade paperback (2020) in Good condition — minor wear, all pages present and intact.
