Mara Brewster 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.

Mara Brewster I think loneliness was largely explained. Loneliness is a precursor for depression and anxiety as well as substance use (which Vanessa also struggled …moreI think loneliness was largely explained. Loneliness is a precursor for depression and anxiety as well as substance use (which Vanessa also struggled with). I think it is important to acknowledge that anyone can be targeted-regardless of background experience with abuse or neglect. Her parents were also to blame though. It is neglectful parenting to assume that when allegations of sexual assault occur- it is the fault of the child. It is neglectful to not follow up, if anything her mother and father should have more intrusive. It is there fault as much as Stranes. As well as Vanessa was naturally and anxious girl as well. That is evident when she is first seen at Borwick in the story. She has no friends, she is a loner, she says she sees everything, but no one sees her. That loneliness in middle adolescence is especially impactful to development, and her lack of made her desperate for admiration. (less)

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