The August Stack
Quality not quantity seems to be the theme for August! These three fantastic novels all pack a punch!
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
The Switch by Beth O’Leary
Quick thoughts
My Dark Vanessa was an incredibly uncomfortable albeit powerful read. In her debut novel, Kate Elizabeth Russell explores the realms of sexual abuse between teachers and students.l. It’s a story which cleverly portrays how manipulation and abuse towards a 15-year-old girl can have a significant impact on their youth and later years. It’s heartbreaking to see Vanessa grow up convincing herself that it was all just a dark romance.
Beautiful Ruins captivated me with the beautiful prose and romantic characters. The scenery descriptions had me longing for warmer days by the Italian seaside. Although, throughout the many twists and turns in this plot, I did struggle to keep up.
The Switch; oh how I loved The Switch! This one had me well and truly Eileened! If there is one thing Beth O'Leary is good at, it's creating charming, endearing main characters and bringing them to life within the pages of an incredibly feel-good novel. I was immediately drawn to Eileen and the elder’s community. This is just the kind of lazy Sunday afternoon read we all need every now and then.
I’ve had a lot of fun writing down my thoughts in full. Reviews to follow in a matter of days - stay tuned!