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A review by jaylinsoto
Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams

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

3.75

This book carries a profound sense of melancholy, with a pervasive sadness that seeps into every page. The author did an exceptional job portraying the affair between an older author and a 23 year old assistant at the publishing house, as well as the toxic ripple effects it had on every aspect of her life. Her vulnerabilities, shaped by her past, made her particularly susceptible to this dynamic, and I found myself deeply empathizing with her. At the same time, I felt frustrated watching her self-destructive tendencies.  

The story serves as a poignant reminder of how consent becomes dubious in the presence of power dynamics and highlights the restorative power of community and friendships. For me, the strongest moments in the book were those that centered on her friendships and the rare occasions where she could simply exist as a young woman in her 20s.  

This book was frustrating, heartbreaking, maddening, and ultimately powerful.
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