Book Review: Consent by Vanessa Springora

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Consent is an absolutely incredible read that explores the importance of consent and the devastating impact of non-consensual relationships.

The author takes you on a journey through her life, from her earliest memories to the present day, and illustrates the power dynamics at play in every single moment.

The language used throughout the book is nothing short of magical – it’s both slippery and magnetic, drawing you in with a conversational tone that makes you feel like you’re sitting down with an old friend.

And yet, it’s also incredibly powerful, with the author using clever and relatable anecdotes to bring the story to life.

I’ll be honest, this book wasn’t an easy read – the subject matter is heavy, and there are trigger warnings that you should definitely heed before diving in.

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But despite the difficulty, I found myself unable to put it down. The author writes about her less-than-ideal beginnings, her experiences with sex and relationships, and the individual who began her spiral downwards.

This person inserted themselves into her life, isolated her from her peers, and turned her into a plaything.

Even when she believed she had escaped his clutches, he continued to haunt her. He wrote her letters, posted her pictures online, and published their correspondence in his books.

The author’s bravery in telling her story is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s impossible not to feel for her and the countless others who have experienced something similar.

As I read, I found myself constantly pausing to research the names, books, and interviews mentioned in the text.

And what I discovered was nothing short of horrifying – adults who were supposed to be guardians, mentors, and heroes were actually complicit in the abuse that the author suffered.

This realization left me reeling, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hopelessness about the state of the world.

But despite the heavy themes, there is a sense of hope in this book. The author’s courage in telling her story is inspiring, and her message about the importance of consent is one that everyone needs to hear.

It’s a powerful reminder that evil exists in our society, but that we have the power to fight against it.

I highly recommend this book, but please do take note of the trigger warnings before diving in.

The author’s descriptions can be graphic at times, so it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with the subject matter before starting.

Overall, Consent is an incredibly important book that everyone should read. It’s a whole bag of sadness, but it’s also a reminder that we can all make a difference in the fight against non-consensual relationships.

So give it a read, and be prepared to be moved. And if you’re interested in more book reviews, be sure to check out my other content!