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A review by darquedreamer
Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Bittersweet in the Hollow was everything I had hoped it would be, and so much more! The title, and gorgeous cover, accurately portrayed the allure and eeriness found within the pages. It was creepy, and magical, and emotional, and filled with southern charm.
Pearsall managed to capture all the good, and not so good, quirks of growing up, and living, in a small country/mountain town (much like Union County NC where I lived for 8 years, and Western NC where I lived for 11 years). This book was full of nostalgia, Practical Magic vibes, and a strong family dynamic. It was layered like a perfect buttermilk biscuit.
The atmosphere, and setting, were vivid and dense like a humid summer in the south. I was pulled in and captivated, hungry for every turn of a page. And, speaking of hunger. There were so many delicious food references to be found in this book, which added to the southern town nostalgia perfectly. The delectable descriptions of food made me feel exactly what Linden felt every time she "tasted" the feelings of others.
But, the sisters, and their abilities, and their family relationships, really made the story. Each sister was unique, and I really felt connected to them and their "powers". I loved how each one handled things in her own way, and how different Pearsall made them, despite them being so close, in both age and connection.
Bittersweet in the Hollow was such a deeply satisfying read. Though it took place during the summer, it felt like the perfect spooky season/Fall read. It was elegant and charming and gritty and otherworldly, and I cannot wait to read it again.
Thank you Penguin Teen for my gifted copy.
Pearsall managed to capture all the good, and not so good, quirks of growing up, and living, in a small country/mountain town (much like Union County NC where I lived for 8 years, and Western NC where I lived for 11 years). This book was full of nostalgia, Practical Magic vibes, and a strong family dynamic. It was layered like a perfect buttermilk biscuit.
The atmosphere, and setting, were vivid and dense like a humid summer in the south. I was pulled in and captivated, hungry for every turn of a page. And, speaking of hunger. There were so many delicious food references to be found in this book, which added to the southern town nostalgia perfectly. The delectable descriptions of food made me feel exactly what Linden felt every time she "tasted" the feelings of others.
But, the sisters, and their abilities, and their family relationships, really made the story. Each sister was unique, and I really felt connected to them and their "powers". I loved how each one handled things in her own way, and how different Pearsall made them, despite them being so close, in both age and connection.
Bittersweet in the Hollow was such a deeply satisfying read. Though it took place during the summer, it felt like the perfect spooky season/Fall read. It was elegant and charming and gritty and otherworldly, and I cannot wait to read it again.
Thank you Penguin Teen for my gifted copy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol