Bitter Fruit

by Brian Keaney

It was like picking up some strange fruit that was black and glossy on the outside and biting into the flesh to find the taste was bitter beyond words. But she could not spit it out. She had to chew on that flesh and swallow every bit of the pulp.

When Rebecca's father is killed in a car accident, she finds that her loss is a completely life-changing experience. For the first time in her life she's in a situation that she can't escape from but has to work at and puzzle her own way through.

The business of Rebecca's teenage rebellion is stopped in its tracks by the tragedy and her subsequent discovery that her father had kept secrets from her. As she struggles to understand her emotions and finds new ways to look at the world, Rebecca slowly finds her way back to family and friendships.

Genres: Young Adult

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Brian writes novels for adults, young adults and children. HIs latest novel for adults is The Alphabet of Heart's Desire (Holland House Books), based on an incident in the life of the nineteenth century writer and opium addict, Thomas De Quincey

Reviews

[James Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and complex book. Rebecca's furious turmoil (teen angst) collides with sudden shock and unbearable grief and regret. The heroine is left to pick up pieces of her life, some barely recognizable to her, and fit them into a new shape. Very troubling at times but written with a tender and wise hand. This is a powerful book that will leave the reader with some questions- about their own lives and loves.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book wasn't really much to write home about. Deep subjects approached in a mainly bland manner when I was expecting something abit more heartfelt. I have read other books aimed at younger audiences with equally emotive subjects which have struck the heart strings considerably more.

This book is about grief and family relationships, and specifically how the deceased's daughter copes with her life after what happens.