Yolanda answers “What was missing in Vanessa's childhood...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about My Dark Vanessa:

What was missing in Vanessa's childhood that made her such easy pickings? I kept waiting for some psychological explanation from her therapist. Vanessa was an only child and, except for a mother who was annoyingly intrusive and sometimes critical, there was no abuse, nothing to make her crave such intense "adoration," no explanation for her being so easily manipulated.

Yolanda I mean, someone doesn’t always have to have some traumatic history that leads to them getting sexually abused. It’s the case a lot of the time, but no…moreI mean, someone doesn’t always have to have some traumatic history that leads to them getting sexually abused. It’s the case a lot of the time, but not always. I got the sense from my reading that Vanessa was a lonely person, and felt kind of neglected by her parents. Yeah she had food and shelter, her parents treated her nice, they loved her, and supported her decisions. But it seemed like she craved and needed more from them emotionally, and she filled that void with Strane. And teen girls in general are often vulnerable and trying to figure themselves out and self conscious, and Strane took advantage of all that. That’s what makes the book even more dark, just knowing how easy this could happen to, and has happened to, so many young girls. (less)

flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more