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A review by rorikae
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi
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