My Dark Vanessa is a beautifully written novel that explores the complex and disturbing relationship between a young girl and her older teacher. The story is told through the eyes of Vanessa, a bright and ambitious fifteen-year-old who becomes entangled in a manipulative and abusive relationship with her teacher, Mr. Strane. The novel delves into themes of power, control, and the lasting impact of such relationships on the victim.
My Dark Vanessa is a powerful and unsettling novel that explores the complex and disturbing relationship between a young girl and her older teacher. The story is told through the eyes of Vanessa, a bright and ambitious fifteen-year-old who becomes entangled in a manipulative and abusive relationship with her teacher, Mr. Strane. The novel is beautifully written, with a strong sense of atmosphere and a deep understanding of the psychological dynamics at play. The relationship between Vanessa and Mr. Strane is portrayed in a way that is both realistic and disturbing, highlighting the power imbalance and the ways in which Mr. Strane manipulates and controls Vanessa. The novel also explores the lasting impact of such relationships on the victim, and the ways in which they can shape and define a person's life. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, with chapters alternating between Vanessa's present-day life and her memories of her relationship with Mr. Strane. This structure allows the reader to see the full extent of the damage that has been done to Vanessa, and the ways in which she struggles to come to terms with her past. The novel is a powerful and important exploration of a difficult and complex subject, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
Quick quotes
I assume I’ll be the one he turns to in ten or fifteen years, whenever his body begins to break down. That seems the likely ending to this love story: me dropping everything and doing anything, devoted as a dog, as he takes and takes and takes.
The above lines stood out for me more than any other in this gorgeously written novel.
Make no mistake, ambitious and bright , fifteen-year old ‘nymphet’ Vanessa Wye becomes a devoted dog to her much older teacher, Mr. Strane.