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hobbithopeful's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
4.5
The prequel to Akwaeke Emezi's bestselling novel Pet, Bitter is the prequel to Pet and tells the emotional story of a social revolution and what it costs those in it and around. Bitter is one of the lucky few able to live and create at Eucalyptus, a school dedicated to teaching and protecting creative teenagers. The city around them is ravaged day and night by protests, corruption, and police brutality. Bitter has no desire to join in the protests, she just wants to stay safe, as opposed to some of her friends who risk their lives every day fighting to have a voice. Tensions continue to rise and soon Bitter reaches her breaking point, pouring all of her emotions, anger, and blood into a painting, the consequences of her pain and desire for change have dire results that will change the city forever.
I haven't read Pet yet and all this book did was make me want to read it so badly! I didn't expect the twists and turns this book took, and while I wish I had started with Pet so I would have gotten a better idea of the magic in this world, it was nice to get a foundation for how events were set in motion. Emezi is a fantastic storyteller, her writing drew me in and I felt as helpless and powerless as Bitter and her friends did. A book like this is so relevant to our current political climate, the utter and complete failure of our government and "police protection" that we have in place.
The Cover
There is a scene in the book where Bitter's friend, Blessing, takes a photo of her against a backdrop, which is what the cover looks like. I think it works perfectly. Bitter stares right at the viewer, unabashed, and almost challenging in a way. The vibrant colors, character expression, and everything about the cover makes an eye catching composition that perfectly nails the book.
Cover art by Shyama Golden
I haven't read Pet yet and all this book did was make me want to read it so badly! I didn't expect the twists and turns this book took, and while I wish I had started with Pet so I would have gotten a better idea of the magic in this world, it was nice to get a foundation for how events were set in motion. Emezi is a fantastic storyteller, her writing drew me in and I felt as helpless and powerless as Bitter and her friends did. A book like this is so relevant to our current political climate, the utter and complete failure of our government and "police protection" that we have in place.
The Cover
There is a scene in the book where Bitter's friend, Blessing, takes a photo of her against a backdrop, which is what the cover looks like. I think it works perfectly. Bitter stares right at the viewer, unabashed, and almost challenging in a way. The vibrant colors, character expression, and everything about the cover makes an eye catching composition that perfectly nails the book.
Cover art by Shyama Golden
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Racism, Murder, and Violence
calamitess's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Xenophobia, Racism, Police brutality, and Hate crime
ofbooksandechos's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Violence, Death, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Gun violence, Child abuse, Racism, and Classism
Minor: Homophobia, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
CW: depictions of self harm for magic purposes,scrubsandbooks's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Police brutality, Death, Gun violence, and Racism
anniereads221's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, Murder, War, Death, Classism, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
directorpurry's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Violence, Police brutality, Gun violence, and Racism
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
rorikae's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
‘Bitter’ by Akwaeke Emezi is a thought provoking and character driven prequel.
The story follows Jam’s mother Bitter as a young woman starting her art career as a student at Eucalyptus. Lucille is far from the peaceful city that is present in Pet. Instead, it is racked by protests against the police violence and systemic issues that plague the city. Bitter is trying to find her place in the world while exploring her art. She isn’t sure how to relate to her peers who are actively protesting. When Bitter releases a monster from one of her paintings in response to a cruel act of brutality, she will have to decide where she stands in this battle and what she will do next.
'Bitter' is the perfect prequel to Pet. Where Pet sets up a city that has come through hardship and become a more forgiving and open place, 'Bitter' gives us insight into the beginning of what transformed Lucille into that city. In 'Bitter,' Lucille much more clearly represents our current situation so when it is put in contrast to Pet, it becomes clear that Emezi is hinting at one possible way that we can move to a liberated future. Bitter is a great central protagonist, not only because we have already met her in Pet but also because she is caught between her art and comfort and making real change in the world. Her place is a highly relatable one and her considerations ones that many people are going through during this day and time. Paired with Emezi’s evocative writing, fully fleshed out characters, and ability to tell so much story in a short amount of time, 'Bitter' is another triumph of their skill. I hope we will see more in this world because it feels like there are more stories that could be told and a further piece in this city’s story that Emezi could explore. If you haven’t read Emezi’s work before, I think you can read these connected novels in either order. Please read this if you have any interest (and even if you don’t), Emezi is celebrated for a reason and it’s because they are a truly skilled storyteller.
The story follows Jam’s mother Bitter as a young woman starting her art career as a student at Eucalyptus. Lucille is far from the peaceful city that is present in Pet. Instead, it is racked by protests against the police violence and systemic issues that plague the city. Bitter is trying to find her place in the world while exploring her art. She isn’t sure how to relate to her peers who are actively protesting. When Bitter releases a monster from one of her paintings in response to a cruel act of brutality, she will have to decide where she stands in this battle and what she will do next.
'Bitter' is the perfect prequel to Pet. Where Pet sets up a city that has come through hardship and become a more forgiving and open place, 'Bitter' gives us insight into the beginning of what transformed Lucille into that city. In 'Bitter,' Lucille much more clearly represents our current situation so when it is put in contrast to Pet, it becomes clear that Emezi is hinting at one possible way that we can move to a liberated future. Bitter is a great central protagonist, not only because we have already met her in Pet but also because she is caught between her art and comfort and making real change in the world. Her place is a highly relatable one and her considerations ones that many people are going through during this day and time. Paired with Emezi’s evocative writing, fully fleshed out characters, and ability to tell so much story in a short amount of time, 'Bitter' is another triumph of their skill. I hope we will see more in this world because it feels like there are more stories that could be told and a further piece in this city’s story that Emezi could explore. If you haven’t read Emezi’s work before, I think you can read these connected novels in either order. Please read this if you have any interest (and even if you don’t), Emezi is celebrated for a reason and it’s because they are a truly skilled storyteller.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder, Death, Mental illness, Police brutality, Violence, Blood, Grief, Hate crime, and Racism
sarafinley's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Police brutality, and Death
mar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Violence, Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Self harm, and Racism
Minor: Homophobia, Ableism, and Death of parent
armontheroad's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
As someone who fell in love with PET, BITTER immediately went onto my list for the most anticipated 2022 releases!! I was worried going into this because I saw a *lot* of criticism for this book. However, after finishing it, I disagree with a lot of the negative things people have to say about this work. In my opinion, Akwaeke Emezi does not ever disappoint with their novels!! This was not a book that was ‘fun’ to read, by any means, there are some triggering topics discussed within this novel. However, I think the way the conversations are talked about is brilliant and that the book was one that I could not put down! There seem to be some adults who think this book is “too smart” for teenagers and I just don’t think you’re giving teens the credit they deserve. I could talk about BITTER for ages, but to save time and energy I’ll leave this review short.
CWs I can't link below: conversion therapy, depression, sex trafficking, etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Self harm, Death of parent, Death, Child abuse, Murder, Police brutality, and Racism