A review by ericainreallife
Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

5.0

Absolutely unputdownable. From the first page to the last, you're sucked into the veritable Garden of Eden that is Winloch. The setting of the story is so rich and layered that it becomes a main character in a story of twists and turns that grab you and leave you physically ill at moments from the unexpected jolt. Paralleled with the moral tale of Milton's Paradise Lost, you follow the tale of Mabel Dagmar as she takes a bite out the succulent apple that is the Winslow family's generosity and quickly finds it rotten to the core. Relatable, never cliche, Mabel could stand in for any of us faced with the horrible knowledge of the true cost of attaining the great America dream. You're left wondering what you would do if placed in her shoes, if you were shown the keys to the kingdom and every gnarled, corrupt step it takes to hold them in your hands. More than just a great beach read, you'll be recommending this book to your friends and contemplating summering in Vermont this year. Just watch yourself on the cliffs.