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A review by faliiza
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I knew I’d love Bitter as I loved Pet. This is brutal and dark in a different way, as it is told from almost adult perspective whereas Pet had that childhood naivety.
Bitter is such a full character. Her flaws are exposed but so are her strengths, and the immense love that fuels both. The other characters are also multidimensional and feel real.
This story feels especially awful and familiar in lieu of current world events. And Akwaeke Emezi is a master of writing words that cut you and make you feel. Ugly feelings of hate, self loathing, hopelessness, fear and disappointment, things that drown you. But at the center of all is found family and love. And the passion to fight and hope for better. To take delight in the small pleasures of living.
Bitter is such a full character. Her flaws are exposed but so are her strengths, and the immense love that fuels both. The other characters are also multidimensional and feel real.
This story feels especially awful and familiar in lieu of current world events. And Akwaeke Emezi is a master of writing words that cut you and make you feel. Ugly feelings of hate, self loathing, hopelessness, fear and disappointment, things that drown you. But at the center of all is found family and love. And the passion to fight and hope for better. To take delight in the small pleasures of living.