Debbie Hagan answers “Do you recommend this book for a 16 yr old...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about My Dark Vanessa:

Do you recommend this book for a 16 yr old girl? The girl read Room a few years ago and wasn't upset about the upsetting stuff and actually loved the book.

Debbie Hagan Personally, I wouldn't recommend it. The sex scenes are rather graphic. What would concern me even more, though, is the narrator's perspective, believ…morePersonally, I wouldn't recommend it. The sex scenes are rather graphic. What would concern me even more, though, is the narrator's perspective, believing this relationship was good for her, how it helped her by giving her self confidence, how some girls are just more mature and can handle a relationship with an older man than others. Vanessa craves his attention and adoration. This could potentially skew a young girl's thinking, believing this is a valid viewpoint, when, in fact, it is abusive on a number of levels. If this were my daughter, I'd want, at minimum, to have a discussion with her about the book and the narrator's view. Legally this is rape. (less)

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