A review by mmatti300
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’m giving this a 5 because a 4.75 feels petty and 4.5 feels like not enough. Sweetbitter sucked me in. I fell in love with the absurd, irrational, unlikeable characters in a heartbeat. I found myself wanting more, insatiably drawn to Danler’s writing and the emotions that she evoked. The only reason this is on the cusp of a 5 is because I’m not sure I would want to reread it, and I’m not certain that I will remember most aspects of the novel in even a week. However, the complex relationship between Simone, Tess, and Jake is one that I devoured more than Tess devoured oysters at the Oyster bar. Danler’s decision to not reveal Tess’ name until the halfway point, when Jake finally notices her and she is fully ingratiated into the restaurant’s dynamics was a stunning choice that really resonated with me. I also think the way that we slowly learn about Simone and Jake’s history with Tess was a stunning decision, especially the fact that we never get a full grasp of what their true relationship is. Anyway, a solid read for lovers of 20-something coming of age’s, dark academia-esque plots (though there’s no school or murder), or slightly gay contemporaries. 
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