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A review by chrissireads
Bitter End by Jennifer Brown
4.0
This is the second novel of Jennifer Brown’s that I have read. I’ve come to understand that she writes a lot of ‘issue’ books. Nothing wrong with that, I like reading issue books! Especially when they’re as well written as Bitter End (and Hate List). Bitter End tackles a subject that is unfortunately quite common in relationships.. abuse.
As a reader, you can begin to pick out the signs that Cole is becoming abusive. Cole is charming, affectionate, understanding and showers Alex with presents at the start of the relationship. Everything seems so perfect, that Alex, understandably, is in denial about Cole’s change of behaviour. I found myself wanting to like Cole even though I knew it wasn’t going to be a nice relationship.
Alex is such a likeable character, I found myself really feeling for her. Also, no matter how nasty Cole was, I also really wanted him to get the help he needed. I loved Alex’s friends Bethany and Zack. Although they had their ups and downs, they were still always concerned for Alex. Everyone needs friends like those!
Jennifer Brown has created some incredibly real characters, which just adds to the story. It shows that abuse is not acceptable, but it’s never easy for the person that’s being abused to just walk away from. This book felt so real, and for that reason, at times it was so hard to read. The physical and emotional abuse that Alex experienced felt utterly believable. It was like I was there, just watching it happen to her. If you do feel sensitive about this subject, then you might find Bitter End a tough read. For those that are up for it, it really is well written and worthwhile.
As a reader, you can begin to pick out the signs that Cole is becoming abusive. Cole is charming, affectionate, understanding and showers Alex with presents at the start of the relationship. Everything seems so perfect, that Alex, understandably, is in denial about Cole’s change of behaviour. I found myself wanting to like Cole even though I knew it wasn’t going to be a nice relationship.
Alex is such a likeable character, I found myself really feeling for her. Also, no matter how nasty Cole was, I also really wanted him to get the help he needed. I loved Alex’s friends Bethany and Zack. Although they had their ups and downs, they were still always concerned for Alex. Everyone needs friends like those!
Jennifer Brown has created some incredibly real characters, which just adds to the story. It shows that abuse is not acceptable, but it’s never easy for the person that’s being abused to just walk away from. This book felt so real, and for that reason, at times it was so hard to read. The physical and emotional abuse that Alex experienced felt utterly believable. It was like I was there, just watching it happen to her. If you do feel sensitive about this subject, then you might find Bitter End a tough read. For those that are up for it, it really is well written and worthwhile.