My Dark Vanessa

Trigger warnings: Sexual abuse, trauma, and mental health. Reader discretion is advised.

I'm giving “My Dark Vanessa” 2 stars because, honestly, it was a painful read. I struggled to connect with the protagonist, Vanessa, and found myself feeling frustrated with her choices and actions at times. At the same time, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her - she's a complex and deeply flawed character who has been through unimaginable trauma.

The writing is haunting and evocative, and the author doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human experience. However, I found the pacing to be slow and the narrative often meandering. I had to push myself to finish the book, and even then, I felt like I was relieved it was over.

Overall, I would caution readers who are sensitive to triggering content to approach with care. While “My Dark Vanessa” is a thought-provoking and timely novel, it's not an easy read by any means.