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A review by hobbithopeful
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi
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