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My Dark Vanessa

Author: Kate Elizabeth Russell

Vanessa Wye’s life is forever altered by her relationship with her charismatic English teacher, Jacob Strane. At 15, she believes it’s love. At 32, she’s forced to confront the truth. As allegations surface against Strane, Vanessa grapples with her memories, questioning everything she thought she knew. Russell’s haunting debut explores power, consent, and the lasting impact of trauma. A raw, unflinching look at the complexities of abuse and the struggle to reclaim one’s narrative.

Because even if I sometimes use the word love to describe what happened, even if I sometimes call it a relationship, it wasn’t. It was something else. It was a trap disguised as a gift.

Reader Reviews

“A haunting and powerful novel that delves deep into the complexities of trauma and consent. Russell’s writing is both beautiful and devastating.” – Emily Thompson, Goodreads

“My Dark Vanessa is a masterful exploration of the gray areas in relationships and the long-lasting impact of abuse. A must-read for anyone interested in psychological fiction.” – Michael Brown, Amazon

“This book is a raw and unflinching look at the dark side of human relationships. Russell’s storytelling is compelling and thought-provoking.” – Sarah Williams, Barnes & Noble

“An intense and gripping read that stays with you long after you’ve finished. Russell’s portrayal of Vanessa’s inner turmoil is both heartbreaking and enlightening.” – Jessica Lee, Goodreads

“My Dark Vanessa is a courageous and necessary book that tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity and depth. Russell’s debut is nothing short of extraordinary.” – David Martinez, Amazon

About Kate Elizabeth Russell

Kate Elizabeth Russell is an acclaimed author best known for her debut novel, My Dark Vanessa. Russell holds an MFA from Indiana University and an MFA from the University of Kansas, where she honed her craft in fiction writing. My Dark Vanessa, published in 2020, has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its unflinching exploration of complex themes such as power dynamics, trauma, and consent. The novel has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of a young woman’s relationship with her much older teacher and the lasting impact of that relationship on her life. Russell’s work has sparked important conversations about the nature of abuse and the ways in which society addresses these issues. Her contributions to contemporary literature have established her as a significant voice in the field, and she continues to influence readers and writers with her powerful storytelling.

Other Works by Kate Elizabeth Russell:

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