A review by micareads123
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book has some great things to say politically, which was what I came for after reading and loving Pet. While the book is written in an accessible, young-adult style, the messaging is powerful and important. It tackles such questions as should we eat the rich? and do we all have a part to play in the revolution? And like Pet, it also confronts what makes an angel and what makes a monster. 

But while I really enjoyed this book, I did feel that it could have been a little bit better developed. Where Pet is short and succinct, this book dawdles a little, trying to tackle a bigger number of themes and issues. Personally, I felt it would have benefitted from either sticking closer to Pet’s more succinct format or from further development into a story for an older age group. 

Pet is still my favourite of the duology, but I really enjoyed this book nonetheless. I loved learning more about Bitter and Aloe, how their relationship developed, and about Lucille during the revolution. 

The messaging in these books is so important and timely, with lessons for young adults and adults alike. And especially in Bitter, it’s easy to draw parallels between the revolution in Lucille and what’s happening in our world today.