Hanne 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.

Hanne She was lonely and isolated, which is very common for kids who end up abused. It was also apparent that her parents weren't too close with her and did…moreShe was lonely and isolated, which is very common for kids who end up abused. It was also apparent that her parents weren't too close with her and didn't know much about what was going on in her life. I did interpret it as a sort of neglect that allowed the situation to end up as bad as it did. Obviously the fault is always on the predator/abuser, but there are certain characteristics that make some youth more vulnerable to being abused. (less)

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