A review by lolajh
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • 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

5.0

Forever obsessed with Akwaeke’s books and the way they portray racism and police brutality and queerness and love. Reading the prequel to Pet and seeing Jam’s mother Bitter’s teenage experience got me to understand her character and motives in Pet once understanding what she went through as a kid and not wanting that for her daughter. Seeing Bitter’s summoned monster’s horrific character that differed so much to Pet, who acted as more of a parental figure who protected Jam was crazy, and explained why Bitter wanted to get rid of Pet in the sequel. This book was full of the loveable characters featured in Pet, but with their stories properly illustrated and creating a heavily thawed out and well constructed piece of writing.

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