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Bittersweet: A True Story of Love and Loss
A moving and inspirational memoir about true love, the darkness of grief—and learning how to find your way back into the light.
"A work of staggering grace."—Women's Health
"The ultimate book about what it is to be human."—Stacey Heale
"Raw, brave, deeply moving and powerful."—Angela Scanlon
From the moment Lotte first met Ben, she knew they were meant to be together. And for a few years, their life was truly flourishing careers, adored friends, and travel to every corner of the planet.
But when Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Lotte was catapulted into the uncharted landscape of cancer medicine, becoming his caregiver overnight. With the world around them in lockdown, they refused to give up the fight for his survival, travelling from London to Mexico in hope of a cure at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
When Ben lost his life, many miles from home, Lotte found herself how do you see what the future looks like—without the person you love most in it?
Heartfelt and heartbreaking, healing and hopeful, this intimate memoir reminds us that grief and joy can coexist, and that life after loss can still be beautiful.
"A work of staggering grace."—Women's Health
"The ultimate book about what it is to be human."—Stacey Heale
"Raw, brave, deeply moving and powerful."—Angela Scanlon
From the moment Lotte first met Ben, she knew they were meant to be together. And for a few years, their life was truly flourishing careers, adored friends, and travel to every corner of the planet.
But when Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Lotte was catapulted into the uncharted landscape of cancer medicine, becoming his caregiver overnight. With the world around them in lockdown, they refused to give up the fight for his survival, travelling from London to Mexico in hope of a cure at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
When Ben lost his life, many miles from home, Lotte found herself how do you see what the future looks like—without the person you love most in it?
Heartfelt and heartbreaking, healing and hopeful, this intimate memoir reminds us that grief and joy can coexist, and that life after loss can still be beautiful.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
515 people are currently reading
2885 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 8, 2024
What a compelling read. Bittersweet is a beautifully crafted exploration of grief. I enjoyed how it navigates the complexities of human emotions from sorrow, pain, hope, and joy. The story is undeniably heartbreaking, yet it is infused with a powerful sense of unwavering hope.
I highly recommend it.
I highly recommend it.
September 6, 2024
What a sad and wonderful story. An emotional read at times but worth it. Really recommend it!
September 7, 2024
The first half was good - about life with Ben and his subsequent diagnosis and illness. The next half was about Lottie’s grieving. This part was not done so well. Sorry to say but it dragged on. I get that grief is relentless and monotonous (I’ve lived through my own grief). Once the person has passed, ultimately nothing much relieves the grieving but time. In the second half of the book the grieving was understandable but monotonously documented.
September 8, 2024
not for me
It’s clear that this was something the author needed to write, but I was hoping it would be more of a story than all first person writing. All of the descriptions of grief were ones I’d heard before. Lots of privilege in the situations too, just didn’t strike me as endearing.
It’s clear that this was something the author needed to write, but I was hoping it would be more of a story than all first person writing. All of the descriptions of grief were ones I’d heard before. Lots of privilege in the situations too, just didn’t strike me as endearing.
February 2, 2025
A very heartbreaking true story. Definitely a thought provoking read and It shows you that life is too short and to take all the opportunities you have. Lotte told her and Ben's story well and how she's dealt with her grief!
Read
January 27, 2025what a beautiful book. i never give ratings to true stories because who am i to put a rating to someone’s experiences? i so loved the discussion that emotions and experiences can be two, three, so many things at once.
February 26, 2025
Bring tissues for this one - such a gorgeous and honest portrayal of grief.
September 26, 2024
Almost but not quite
I didn't dislike or like this book. It was very sad that someone so young and obviously full of life died but people did every day both old and young. I found the book a little self indulgent.
I didn't dislike or like this book. It was very sad that someone so young and obviously full of life died but people did every day both old and young. I found the book a little self indulgent.
September 15, 2024
I am not sure there is meaning in all loss and I don't think that everyone's story of loss and grief needs to be shared.
December 13, 2024
Incredibly sad love story. It's one of those books where you know how it's going to end but still hope for a different type of ending.
October 4, 2025
3.7
This author shares her journey through, love, loss, and grief. Very beautifully written
This author shares her journey through, love, loss, and grief. Very beautifully written
Read
July 2, 2025Cried at so many parts, such a real story told in such a painfully beautiful way.
February 2, 2025
gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous
October 1, 2024
It's always hard to review a memoir and especially a memoir that is about grief and loss as everyone deals with these things differently but this book had me captivated from page 1 . It's not just a memoir about love and loss but it's also one about how to find your way back .
Lottie and Ben were soul mates, they were meant to be together and for a few short years their lives were perfect . Ben was then diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36 right in the middle of the pandemic and in a few short months their life together changed forever.
A book has never touched me as much as this one did , you actually feel like you are living through this nightmare with Lottie , it's so raw, so brave and so so sad but it is also a story of how to live again and gives hope to those suffering from grief.
Lottie and Ben were soul mates, they were meant to be together and for a few short years their lives were perfect . Ben was then diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36 right in the middle of the pandemic and in a few short months their life together changed forever.
A book has never touched me as much as this one did , you actually feel like you are living through this nightmare with Lottie , it's so raw, so brave and so so sad but it is also a story of how to live again and gives hope to those suffering from grief.
September 13, 2024
Read this in an hr this morning. Looked the guy up.. doesn't seem that special and to say she was blissfully happy with the love of her life this doesn't come across in the photos on her IG of them as a couple where he looks miserable. and not smiling. The only genuine smiles seem to be in the pictures of her with another blonde woman - both smiling with their eyes etc..Wondering how much of this Ben bliss is inflated to sell books and fit the narrative.
Sorry for her loss but the book was kinda middling tbh.Glad it was free on Amazon so I didn't have to waste money on it. I wasn't impressed by all the bragging about Shoreditch House and the party lifestyle but then again I am not a millennial into dance music. It just reeked of privilege. Fair play to her if it helped her get it all out on paper to aid her grief process but this book didn't have anything to say about grief we haven't read a thousand times before in much better works by more talented authors.
I really hope that she gets out of the pigeon hole she has put herself in as a grieving widow and moves on because she is still very young..
Sorry for her loss but the book was kinda middling tbh.Glad it was free on Amazon so I didn't have to waste money on it. I wasn't impressed by all the bragging about Shoreditch House and the party lifestyle but then again I am not a millennial into dance music. It just reeked of privilege. Fair play to her if it helped her get it all out on paper to aid her grief process but this book didn't have anything to say about grief we haven't read a thousand times before in much better works by more talented authors.
I really hope that she gets out of the pigeon hole she has put herself in as a grieving widow and moves on because she is still very young..
November 21, 2024
Annoying
February 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I vow to make lemonade from the lemons life has given me, no matter how bittersweet it tastes".
This is the most raw and heartbreaking book about grief that I have ever read. It is a deeply moving and inspirational memoir about true love, the darkness of grief, and learning how to find your way back into the light.
From the moment Lotte first met Ben, she knew they were meant to be together. For a few years, their life flourished with successful careers, wonderful friends, and travel to every corner of the world. Their love was full of joy, passion, and an unbreakable bond. But when Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, everything changed.
Suddenly, Lotte became his caregiver, navigating the overwhelming challenges of his illness and the desperation to find a cure. As the world went into lockdown, they travelled from London to Mexico in search of hope, refusing to give up the fight.
When Ben lost his life, far from home, Lotte was left to face an unimaginable reality: how do you find a future without the person you love most?
This book hits hard in so many ways. It makes you stop and think about the what-ifs of losing the person closest to you, the one you believe will be by your side forever. The overwhelming loss and the uncertainty of what to do with your future when that person is gone. Lotte’s writing is open and honest, allowing us to meet them both from the beginning.
We see who she was before she met Ben and how he brought her so much joy, showing us the beauty of their relationship. Then we are drawn into the heart-wrenching journey of his illness, her role as his caregiver, the small moments of hope, and the crushing fear that it might not be enough.
I spent multiple moments feeling as though my own heart had been torn out of my chest and stamped on because I could resonate so deeply with the emotions she describes. My own anxiety about never having enough time and the constant fear that something bad will happen to my husband impacts me daily. This book helped me confront those feelings and realise how much I need to live in the moment with him. It also reminded me that, as an individual, I am more than my marriage and relationship, even though it is hard to imagine a life without my own version of Ben by my side.
I absolutely loved this book. It made me cry so much, but I felt every emotion the author poured into these pages. It is a stunning, deeply emotional read, perfect for anyone, but especially those trying to navigate their way through grief. Heartfelt and heartbreaking, healing and hopeful, this memoir reminds us that grief and joy can coexist and that life after loss can still be beautiful, some may say bittersweet.
Read more at The Secret Book Review.
"I vow to make lemonade from the lemons life has given me, no matter how bittersweet it tastes".
This is the most raw and heartbreaking book about grief that I have ever read. It is a deeply moving and inspirational memoir about true love, the darkness of grief, and learning how to find your way back into the light.
From the moment Lotte first met Ben, she knew they were meant to be together. For a few years, their life flourished with successful careers, wonderful friends, and travel to every corner of the world. Their love was full of joy, passion, and an unbreakable bond. But when Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, everything changed.
Suddenly, Lotte became his caregiver, navigating the overwhelming challenges of his illness and the desperation to find a cure. As the world went into lockdown, they travelled from London to Mexico in search of hope, refusing to give up the fight.
When Ben lost his life, far from home, Lotte was left to face an unimaginable reality: how do you find a future without the person you love most?
This book hits hard in so many ways. It makes you stop and think about the what-ifs of losing the person closest to you, the one you believe will be by your side forever. The overwhelming loss and the uncertainty of what to do with your future when that person is gone. Lotte’s writing is open and honest, allowing us to meet them both from the beginning.
We see who she was before she met Ben and how he brought her so much joy, showing us the beauty of their relationship. Then we are drawn into the heart-wrenching journey of his illness, her role as his caregiver, the small moments of hope, and the crushing fear that it might not be enough.
I spent multiple moments feeling as though my own heart had been torn out of my chest and stamped on because I could resonate so deeply with the emotions she describes. My own anxiety about never having enough time and the constant fear that something bad will happen to my husband impacts me daily. This book helped me confront those feelings and realise how much I need to live in the moment with him. It also reminded me that, as an individual, I am more than my marriage and relationship, even though it is hard to imagine a life without my own version of Ben by my side.
I absolutely loved this book. It made me cry so much, but I felt every emotion the author poured into these pages. It is a stunning, deeply emotional read, perfect for anyone, but especially those trying to navigate their way through grief. Heartfelt and heartbreaking, healing and hopeful, this memoir reminds us that grief and joy can coexist and that life after loss can still be beautiful, some may say bittersweet.
Read more at The Secret Book Review.
October 14, 2024
DEFINITELY Bittersweet!
The title definitely fits this true story about the author who falls in love with her perfect "Mr Right" Ben. Their love is magical, and pulls the reader in, making you excited for them and glad to read about the "happily ever after" that is sure to come for these two wonderful people. Only it doesn't...at least, not together here on earth.
Ben is struck by a rare and deadly cancer and Lotte gladly steps up to the plate as his loving caregiver. They plan to get married after all, and so the "in sickness and in health" is being put to the test. They both feel Ben will beat it and at first it seems like all is going according to plan. But we KNOW what happens sometimes when we make plans... LIFE -- in all it's fullness, the good, the bad and the ugly!
Ben's cancer returns and through extensive research, Lotte finds a promising treatment at a center in Mexico. It is a time of danger to travel in the area but they have no real choice. It truly is life or death. This is also during the early months of the covid pandemic. Unfortunately, things go horribly wrong...
Lotte returns home almost paralyzed by grief. She spends time staying with her mom and stepfather trying to get through the agonizing pain. Eventually she finds her footing and ultimately begins to navigate a way forward, honoring Ben but opening herself up again to life and its possibilities.
As someone who has lost a loved one almost 15 months ago now and then experienced the loss of someone else dear to me (this one not through death) about 7 months later, I could identify with the author in many ways. I also learned that there is a name for this experience and it's called "cumulative grief." I guess I'm NOT overreacting after all!
I find this book to be very helpful, well written and edited, captivating from the start and I would easily recommend.
The title definitely fits this true story about the author who falls in love with her perfect "Mr Right" Ben. Their love is magical, and pulls the reader in, making you excited for them and glad to read about the "happily ever after" that is sure to come for these two wonderful people. Only it doesn't...at least, not together here on earth.
Ben is struck by a rare and deadly cancer and Lotte gladly steps up to the plate as his loving caregiver. They plan to get married after all, and so the "in sickness and in health" is being put to the test. They both feel Ben will beat it and at first it seems like all is going according to plan. But we KNOW what happens sometimes when we make plans... LIFE -- in all it's fullness, the good, the bad and the ugly!
Ben's cancer returns and through extensive research, Lotte finds a promising treatment at a center in Mexico. It is a time of danger to travel in the area but they have no real choice. It truly is life or death. This is also during the early months of the covid pandemic. Unfortunately, things go horribly wrong...
Lotte returns home almost paralyzed by grief. She spends time staying with her mom and stepfather trying to get through the agonizing pain. Eventually she finds her footing and ultimately begins to navigate a way forward, honoring Ben but opening herself up again to life and its possibilities.
As someone who has lost a loved one almost 15 months ago now and then experienced the loss of someone else dear to me (this one not through death) about 7 months later, I could identify with the author in many ways. I also learned that there is a name for this experience and it's called "cumulative grief." I guess I'm NOT overreacting after all!
I find this book to be very helpful, well written and edited, captivating from the start and I would easily recommend.
December 5, 2024
"Bittersweet" is NOT your average cry-fest about love and loss (although cry I did). Imagine a book that actually gets how messy grief and loss can be. No sugar-coating, no instant healing, just pure raw emotion. The protagonist Lotte's journey feels so real it's uncomfortable - and that's exactly what makes it brilliant. But there is, thankfully, a light at the end of the tunnel, that although it doesn’t shine with the brightness we all wish for, it is still there.
This is the kind of story that hits you right in the feels - but in a totally genuine way and we all know just how much I appreciate being able to feel something when picking up a book. For someone who has experienced loss themselves, it is a journey that rips you apart at the seams, but at the same time it stitches you back together and heals you in ways you didn’t realise you needed.
Why You'll Love It:
- Writing so honest it'll make you burst into gut wrenching sobs
- Characters that feel like actual humans, not book characters
- A story that validates ALL your complicated emotions and gives you hope for better things to come.
- A journey that for most of us, we can all relate to
The author absolutely nails this fundamental truth: Grief and loss isn't a straight line. Some days you're okay, some days you're not, and THAT'S OKAY.
Who Should Read This?
- Anyone who's ever lost someone
- People who are tired of "just get over it" narratives
- Readers who want real life stories that are gritty and raw
Overall, this book is like that friend who actually listens instead of trying to fix everything. This book is for those people who feel alone and besides themselves whilst going through their very own journey.
PSA: I highly recommend having tissues nearby!
This is the kind of story that hits you right in the feels - but in a totally genuine way and we all know just how much I appreciate being able to feel something when picking up a book. For someone who has experienced loss themselves, it is a journey that rips you apart at the seams, but at the same time it stitches you back together and heals you in ways you didn’t realise you needed.
Why You'll Love It:
- Writing so honest it'll make you burst into gut wrenching sobs
- Characters that feel like actual humans, not book characters
- A story that validates ALL your complicated emotions and gives you hope for better things to come.
- A journey that for most of us, we can all relate to
The author absolutely nails this fundamental truth: Grief and loss isn't a straight line. Some days you're okay, some days you're not, and THAT'S OKAY.
Who Should Read This?
- Anyone who's ever lost someone
- People who are tired of "just get over it" narratives
- Readers who want real life stories that are gritty and raw
Overall, this book is like that friend who actually listens instead of trying to fix everything. This book is for those people who feel alone and besides themselves whilst going through their very own journey.
PSA: I highly recommend having tissues nearby!
September 30, 2024
Bittersweet - Lotte Bowser REVIEW 📖
Thank you to @netgalley and @brilliancepublishing for providing me with an Audible version of this novel.
Lotte Bowser’s Bittersweet is a powerful and moving memoir about love, loss, and the fragility of this one precious life we all share. From the very first page, it’s clear that this is a beautifully crafted exploration of grief—undeniably heartbreaking yet filled with moments of love and hope.
What makes this memoir so impactful is how Lotte doesn’t shy away from the difficult, painful topics; she faces them head-on with a resilience and courage that truly stand out. Her journey with Ben, from their first meeting to his diagnosis and beyond, is filled with raw, emotional honesty. I was completely captivated by their story—so much so that I couldn’t stop listening. The love between Lotte and Ben radiates from every page, making the heartbreaking moments even more poignant.
Bittersweet took me on an emotional journey from start to finish. It’s an unforgettable memoir about love, joy, loss, grief, hope, and finding a way to keep moving forward, even in the darkest of times. Every emotion and feeling imaginable is woven into this story, and I felt each one deeply. Lotte’s writing is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit.
This memoir touched my heart and soul in a way few books ever have. I cried with Lotte, felt her frustrations with the endless “what ifs,” and, most of all, I felt the immense love she shared with Ben. Bittersweet is an extraordinary testament to the power of love and the enduring strength it gives us, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
Thank you to @netgalley and @brilliancepublishing for providing me with an Audible version of this novel.
Lotte Bowser’s Bittersweet is a powerful and moving memoir about love, loss, and the fragility of this one precious life we all share. From the very first page, it’s clear that this is a beautifully crafted exploration of grief—undeniably heartbreaking yet filled with moments of love and hope.
What makes this memoir so impactful is how Lotte doesn’t shy away from the difficult, painful topics; she faces them head-on with a resilience and courage that truly stand out. Her journey with Ben, from their first meeting to his diagnosis and beyond, is filled with raw, emotional honesty. I was completely captivated by their story—so much so that I couldn’t stop listening. The love between Lotte and Ben radiates from every page, making the heartbreaking moments even more poignant.
Bittersweet took me on an emotional journey from start to finish. It’s an unforgettable memoir about love, joy, loss, grief, hope, and finding a way to keep moving forward, even in the darkest of times. Every emotion and feeling imaginable is woven into this story, and I felt each one deeply. Lotte’s writing is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit.
This memoir touched my heart and soul in a way few books ever have. I cried with Lotte, felt her frustrations with the endless “what ifs,” and, most of all, I felt the immense love she shared with Ben. Bittersweet is an extraordinary testament to the power of love and the enduring strength it gives us, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
December 5, 2024
Bittersweet: A True Story of Love and Loss by Lotte Bowser is a poignant memoir that explores themes of love, loss, grief, and resilience.
It chronicles Lotte's journey with her partner, Ben, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
The book delves into the couple's unwavering love and their relentless pursuit of a cure, even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It recounts their travels to Mexico in search of experimental treatments and the challenges they faced along the way.
After Ben's untimely passing, Lotte shares her experiences navigating grief, self-discovery, and ultimately, finding a way to move forward. The don’t want to give too many spoilers but Bittersweet is a heartfelt and honest exploration of life after loss.
It offers a message of hope and reminds readers that joy and grief can coexist, and that even in the darkest of times, there is always a chance for healing and new beginnings.
I was shocked whilst reading the book at how raw and honest lotte has been with this book. I can’t imagine how she managed to find the strength to tell us her story but the beauty of love was inspiring and I will be carrying this book with me and recommending for years to come.
One quote I feel I must share with you is:
“I’ve come to realise that just because life doesn’t unfold how we expect it to, it doesn’t mean that what comes next is necessarily bad or worse. While good things can fall away , other good things can take up the space that those good things once occupied.”
Thank you lotte for sharing your story for us and being so raw, honest and yet hopeful and able to see the love and joy remaining in the world.
It chronicles Lotte's journey with her partner, Ben, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
The book delves into the couple's unwavering love and their relentless pursuit of a cure, even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It recounts their travels to Mexico in search of experimental treatments and the challenges they faced along the way.
After Ben's untimely passing, Lotte shares her experiences navigating grief, self-discovery, and ultimately, finding a way to move forward. The don’t want to give too many spoilers but Bittersweet is a heartfelt and honest exploration of life after loss.
It offers a message of hope and reminds readers that joy and grief can coexist, and that even in the darkest of times, there is always a chance for healing and new beginnings.
I was shocked whilst reading the book at how raw and honest lotte has been with this book. I can’t imagine how she managed to find the strength to tell us her story but the beauty of love was inspiring and I will be carrying this book with me and recommending for years to come.
One quote I feel I must share with you is:
“I’ve come to realise that just because life doesn’t unfold how we expect it to, it doesn’t mean that what comes next is necessarily bad or worse. While good things can fall away , other good things can take up the space that those good things once occupied.”
Thank you lotte for sharing your story for us and being so raw, honest and yet hopeful and able to see the love and joy remaining in the world.
May 9, 2025
I downloaded this book free from Amazon First Reads. I had a break reading it as some books I had on hold at my library became available so I read those as they were time limited. I was glad to take a break as the book is quite harrowing at times, as you would expect and to be honest I think it is, for me, not a book I would want to read without breaking it up with another book. The book details the author's life on meeting her love of her life, their very happy life together, his subsequent illness and all the horror of dealing with the effects of his treatment, and eventually his death. The book then continues with her dealing with the practicalities of life, along aside her understandable grief. The author is very honest about her feelings and how grief has impacted on her and her growth from it. I did find the part after her partner died did seem to drag on (and I hate using that phrase but I honestly can't think of something more appropriate). Towards the end of the book, something really hit me that didn't earlier, and that was about the lifestyle they had and it did make me wonder about those who go through grief and moving on without the ability to move away, fly to other countries to catch up with friends, not have to soon return to work. I guess I was thinking to myself how do people in those situations relate to this experience and what they would be thinking. Not that it makes grief any easier at all, but it was a thought that suddenly popped into my mind. I give the book 3 stars because I didn't dislike it and admired the author's honesty.
November 14, 2024
This is a raw, brave, and deeply moving memoir about true love, the darkness of grief, and the journey back into the light. The author shares the story of her relationship with Ben—a profound love abruptly cut short by his battle with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explores their romance, his diagnosis, the challenges faced by caregivers, and the grief, isolation, and healing that followed his passing.
The book is powerful in its storytelling. During a trip together, the author discovered a lump between Ben's shoulder blade and spine. He was quickly fast-tracked through the diagnostic process in the UK, where he was diagnosed with stage 3 soft tissue sarcoma. He underwent surgery and an aggressive chemotherapy regimen for two months, but unfortunately, nothing seemed to work. When COVID-19 hit, they traveled to Mexico, where he began different treatments and initially showed signs of improvement. However, he eventually declined and passed away in his sleep due to acute liver failure and other complications related to the virus and his cancer diagnosis. This memoir is a heartfelt account of one woman's journey to find happiness again after such a profound loss.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
The book is powerful in its storytelling. During a trip together, the author discovered a lump between Ben's shoulder blade and spine. He was quickly fast-tracked through the diagnostic process in the UK, where he was diagnosed with stage 3 soft tissue sarcoma. He underwent surgery and an aggressive chemotherapy regimen for two months, but unfortunately, nothing seemed to work. When COVID-19 hit, they traveled to Mexico, where he began different treatments and initially showed signs of improvement. However, he eventually declined and passed away in his sleep due to acute liver failure and other complications related to the virus and his cancer diagnosis. This memoir is a heartfelt account of one woman's journey to find happiness again after such a profound loss.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
December 4, 2024
❤️ Blurb -
From the moment Lotte first met Ben, she knew they were meant to be together. And for a few years, their life was truly flourishing careers, adored friends, and travel to every corner of the planet.
But when Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Lotte was catapulted into the uncharted landscape of cancer medicine, becoming his caregiver overnight. With the world around them in lockdown, they refused to give up the fight for his survival, travelling from London to Mexico in hope of a cure at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
When Ben lost his life, many miles from home, Lotte found herself how do you see what the future looks like—without the person you love most in it?
Heartfelt and heartbreaking, healing and hopeful, this intimate memoir reminds us that grief and joy can coexist, and that life after loss can still be beautiful.
💖 Review -I enjoyed this book. Being a Memoir, I sometimes feel that these are difficult to read and review. But I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end. The author's writing is beautiful, I found the book heartbreaking but still beautiful and well written. And even though there are sensitive subjects, the author handles these with care. Overall, a brilliant book that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Tandem Collective, the author, Lotte Bowser and the publisher, Amazon Publishing for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
From the moment Lotte first met Ben, she knew they were meant to be together. And for a few years, their life was truly flourishing careers, adored friends, and travel to every corner of the planet.
But when Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Lotte was catapulted into the uncharted landscape of cancer medicine, becoming his caregiver overnight. With the world around them in lockdown, they refused to give up the fight for his survival, travelling from London to Mexico in hope of a cure at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
When Ben lost his life, many miles from home, Lotte found herself how do you see what the future looks like—without the person you love most in it?
Heartfelt and heartbreaking, healing and hopeful, this intimate memoir reminds us that grief and joy can coexist, and that life after loss can still be beautiful.
💖 Review -I enjoyed this book. Being a Memoir, I sometimes feel that these are difficult to read and review. But I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end. The author's writing is beautiful, I found the book heartbreaking but still beautiful and well written. And even though there are sensitive subjects, the author handles these with care. Overall, a brilliant book that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Tandem Collective, the author, Lotte Bowser and the publisher, Amazon Publishing for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2024
Publishing date: 01.10.2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
Features:
Soulmates
Finding and holding onto hope in a hopeless situation
Advancing cancer
Slowly losing control
This book is a tragedy. Multiple times, I was devastated by what was happening. Reading it made me feel such an overwhelming sense of dread that I considered putting it down for my own good. But I pushed through it, just like the author had to.
Bittersweet is a biography, even if it isn't marked as such, this is a story that happened to a real person (the author). I think that's what made me even more devastated while reading it. If you decide to pick it up, you will be sad and might cry like I do.
This book is split up into two parts, during, and after. While I found the "during" to be both harder and more engaging to read, the "after" was necessary and lifted the dread I had been feeling the first 50% of the book.
Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, A tier. When finding and reading sad books I want them to crush my soul and leave me a little depressed afterwards. I got what I "wanted" here. It wasn't just sadness, there was hope too, a light at the end of the tunnel. A delightful read. My sad girlies should absolutely try this out.
My condolences to the author
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
Features:
Soulmates
Finding and holding onto hope in a hopeless situation
Advancing cancer
Slowly losing control
This book is a tragedy. Multiple times, I was devastated by what was happening. Reading it made me feel such an overwhelming sense of dread that I considered putting it down for my own good. But I pushed through it, just like the author had to.
Bittersweet is a biography, even if it isn't marked as such, this is a story that happened to a real person (the author). I think that's what made me even more devastated while reading it. If you decide to pick it up, you will be sad and might cry like I do.
This book is split up into two parts, during, and after. While I found the "during" to be both harder and more engaging to read, the "after" was necessary and lifted the dread I had been feeling the first 50% of the book.
Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, A tier. When finding and reading sad books I want them to crush my soul and leave me a little depressed afterwards. I got what I "wanted" here. It wasn't just sadness, there was hope too, a light at the end of the tunnel. A delightful read. My sad girlies should absolutely try this out.
My condolences to the author
December 12, 2024
This book hits hard in so many ways. Everything about it makes you stop and think. The what ifs of losing the person closest to you, of losing the one you think will be with you for the rest of your life. That overwhelming loss after they are gone and what you are supposed to do with that and with your future.
I found this book very open and honest, especially with her journey. We got to meet them both, right as they were meeting. We got the opportunity to see what she was like before she met him and just how he brought her to life and gave her a new sense of joy and that wonderful fulfilling love. Then we became part of her pain, really joining in on the horrific and sad journey of his cancer and her carer capacity as he started to struggle. The joys of any small wins and that all encompassing fear that hope might be lost.
Being part of all of these stages of their lives together and then seeing how she suffered and then was becoming herself again, as she learned to understand her grief and let it be part of her was so interesting.
I absolutely loved this book. I cried so much, but did so feeling every bit of emotion that the author poured onto the pages. It is a stunning and emotional book, perfect for all readers, but especially those trying to find their way through grief.
I found this book very open and honest, especially with her journey. We got to meet them both, right as they were meeting. We got the opportunity to see what she was like before she met him and just how he brought her to life and gave her a new sense of joy and that wonderful fulfilling love. Then we became part of her pain, really joining in on the horrific and sad journey of his cancer and her carer capacity as he started to struggle. The joys of any small wins and that all encompassing fear that hope might be lost.
Being part of all of these stages of their lives together and then seeing how she suffered and then was becoming herself again, as she learned to understand her grief and let it be part of her was so interesting.
I absolutely loved this book. I cried so much, but did so feeling every bit of emotion that the author poured onto the pages. It is a stunning and emotional book, perfect for all readers, but especially those trying to find their way through grief.
September 16, 2024
A heartfelt journey through pain and healing.
Bittersweet by Lotte Bowser is an incredibly moving and beautifully written book that took me on an emotional journey from start to finish. Lotte's storytelling is raw, authentic, and deeply touching - it stirred emotions from me that I didn't expect and even brought me to tears.
What struck me the most was the bravery that shines through every page. Lotte Bowser doesn't shy away from difficult topics; instead, she faces them head-on, sharing her pain, vulnerability, and the complexities of navigating through life's hardships. Yet, despite the sadness and heartache, there's an underlying thread of hope woven throughout the book that I found immensely powerful.
Bowser's ability to find light in the darkest moments gave me a sense of comfort, and the ending filled me with optimism. Her resilience and courage truly stand out. The way she holds onto hope and transforms her struggles into something meaningful left a lasting impression on me.
I highly recommend Bittersweet to anyone looking for a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that, no matter how difficult life gets, there's always hope for healing.
Bittersweet by Lotte Bowser is an incredibly moving and beautifully written book that took me on an emotional journey from start to finish. Lotte's storytelling is raw, authentic, and deeply touching - it stirred emotions from me that I didn't expect and even brought me to tears.
What struck me the most was the bravery that shines through every page. Lotte Bowser doesn't shy away from difficult topics; instead, she faces them head-on, sharing her pain, vulnerability, and the complexities of navigating through life's hardships. Yet, despite the sadness and heartache, there's an underlying thread of hope woven throughout the book that I found immensely powerful.
Bowser's ability to find light in the darkest moments gave me a sense of comfort, and the ending filled me with optimism. Her resilience and courage truly stand out. The way she holds onto hope and transforms her struggles into something meaningful left a lasting impression on me.
I highly recommend Bittersweet to anyone looking for a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that, no matter how difficult life gets, there's always hope for healing.
October 29, 2024
A beautiful, heartfelt and bittersweet story.
I was honestly so hooked and loved the whole of the introduction.
It is a book about loss and grief - you have to take it slow and steady. I wanted to know the aftermath, the healing part and everything in between but at the same time I couldn’t bear reading it any faster.
I cried several times during the 200 pages. Sometimes at random parts and over a simple word.
I have not experienced loss in such a way but everything that was written down was so gripping and touching. How Lotte wrote down everything- with humour at times. The spiritual parts… all of it felt like it was written for me. This book was for me. To learn and to take a lot from it. (Especially now that a chapter in my life is closing and we are also close to All Saint’s Day & El día de los muertos).
Einstein’s 1st Law has never made more sense to me than after reading this book.
🧡🤍🩵
I was honestly so hooked and loved the whole of the introduction.
It is a book about loss and grief - you have to take it slow and steady. I wanted to know the aftermath, the healing part and everything in between but at the same time I couldn’t bear reading it any faster.
I cried several times during the 200 pages. Sometimes at random parts and over a simple word.
I have not experienced loss in such a way but everything that was written down was so gripping and touching. How Lotte wrote down everything- with humour at times. The spiritual parts… all of it felt like it was written for me. This book was for me. To learn and to take a lot from it. (Especially now that a chapter in my life is closing and we are also close to All Saint’s Day & El día de los muertos).
Einstein’s 1st Law has never made more sense to me than after reading this book.
🧡🤍🩵
September 12, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this audio arc. All opinions are my own.
Grief is a tricky thing. Everyone's experience is deeply personal from the immediate impact to long term coping with the loss. Having been recently diagnosed with Prolonged Grief Disorder, I applaud Lotte for putting her story out there. I don't feel like this is a book to pick apart as it is her personal journey. I enjoy reading books on grief because 1) it helps me realize these feelings I have are universal 2) potentially learning some new coping skills and 3) it helps me to be hopefully that I will eventually come out of this fog.
While I don't necessarily think there was anything profound in this work that I will take away, I did very much relate to most of the author's feelings.
As far as the audio, Lotte's voice is beautiful for audio. Love her cadence. Very soothing to listen to.
Grief is a tricky thing. Everyone's experience is deeply personal from the immediate impact to long term coping with the loss. Having been recently diagnosed with Prolonged Grief Disorder, I applaud Lotte for putting her story out there. I don't feel like this is a book to pick apart as it is her personal journey. I enjoy reading books on grief because 1) it helps me realize these feelings I have are universal 2) potentially learning some new coping skills and 3) it helps me to be hopefully that I will eventually come out of this fog.
While I don't necessarily think there was anything profound in this work that I will take away, I did very much relate to most of the author's feelings.
As far as the audio, Lotte's voice is beautiful for audio. Love her cadence. Very soothing to listen to.
October 27, 2024
🌟🌟🌟
The beginning of the book was beautiful, well put together and overall an enjoyable experience. I know it’s a book about sorrow and love. And I hate to be *that* person but by the end, i skipped entire chapters because… well, they didn’t add anything to the book. Grief is hard, evidently. And i hope Lotte is doing okay in life now! But for a readers point of view, it becomes somewhat boring.
However parts i did enjoy was mentioned real life events. Keeping the reader up to date with the covid rules at each point in Lotte’s life.
I’m sure Ben is looking down on Lotte and feeling SO proud for her making this book. Going and doing something she’s obviously put a lot of thought into! And again, i’m desperately sorry that events like these happen daily to so many people. I hope everyone finds some form of peace🩷
The beginning of the book was beautiful, well put together and overall an enjoyable experience. I know it’s a book about sorrow and love. And I hate to be *that* person but by the end, i skipped entire chapters because… well, they didn’t add anything to the book. Grief is hard, evidently. And i hope Lotte is doing okay in life now! But for a readers point of view, it becomes somewhat boring.
However parts i did enjoy was mentioned real life events. Keeping the reader up to date with the covid rules at each point in Lotte’s life.
I’m sure Ben is looking down on Lotte and feeling SO proud for her making this book. Going and doing something she’s obviously put a lot of thought into! And again, i’m desperately sorry that events like these happen daily to so many people. I hope everyone finds some form of peace🩷
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