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Pet #0.5
Bitter
From National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi comes a companion novel to the critically acclaimed PET that explores both the importance and cost of social revolution--and how youth lead the way.
After a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the city of Lucille.
Bitter’s instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus . . . but her friends aren’t willing to settle for a world that’s so far away from what they deserve. Pulled between old friendships, her artistic passion, and a new romance, Bitter isn’t sure where she belongs—in the studio or in the streets. And if she does find a way to help the revolution while being true to who she is, she must also at what cost?
This timely and riveting novel—a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet —explores the power of youth, protest, and art.
After a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the city of Lucille.
Bitter’s instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus . . . but her friends aren’t willing to settle for a world that’s so far away from what they deserve. Pulled between old friendships, her artistic passion, and a new romance, Bitter isn’t sure where she belongs—in the studio or in the streets. And if she does find a way to help the revolution while being true to who she is, she must also at what cost?
This timely and riveting novel—a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet —explores the power of youth, protest, and art.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2022
237 people are currently reading
13485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,306 reviews
June 15, 2022
one of the best damn prequels i’ve ever read
February 4, 2022
Bitter is a prequel to Pet, though you don't need to have read Pet to pick this one up. It's also quite a different book, both thematically and stylistically. This is a book about protest, mental health, art as activism, and violent versus non-violent resistance. There is a lot to like here though I'm still sorting out how I feel about this book.
I read this directly after reading Pet and thus was struck by how different it felt- more mature, more concrete, more like a YA novel with relationship drama, miscommunication, and teens drinking and getting high. All of which makes sense for the story being told, but it's definitely a jarring change from Pet which is darkly whimsical and almost reads like a middle grade novel at times. If I hadn't read them back to back I may not have noticed just how different the tone and voice feel. It's also uncomfortable to immediately read about a younger version of an adult abuser. So for people new to these books, I would pick this one up first or space them out. It is interesting to get a window into Bitter's backstory and how the city got to where it is in Pet.
That said, on its own Bitter is a great book tackling difficult topics. It can be a little on the nose at times (like the evil billionaire who is basically a stand in for Jeff Bezos) and this is a book that takes a definite stance against violent resistance. And though it gets there in an empathetic way, be aware that this isn't the sort of book that leaves the reader to determine morality. Instead it has a very clear philosophy in mind. On the other hand, it does a great job of introducing readers to the realities of non-violent protest, and talks about the importance of self care when involved in activism. Mental health is important too and sometimes you need to take a step back. Some people are unable to contribute in a direct way and must find their own path to bringing about change. All of that was great.
So not quite what I was expecting and not a perfect book in my view, but a very good one and worth your time. Bahni Turpin does the audio narration and she is always fantastic. I received an audio review copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I read this directly after reading Pet and thus was struck by how different it felt- more mature, more concrete, more like a YA novel with relationship drama, miscommunication, and teens drinking and getting high. All of which makes sense for the story being told, but it's definitely a jarring change from Pet which is darkly whimsical and almost reads like a middle grade novel at times. If I hadn't read them back to back I may not have noticed just how different the tone and voice feel. It's also uncomfortable to immediately read about a younger version of an adult abuser. So for people new to these books, I would pick this one up first or space them out. It is interesting to get a window into Bitter's backstory and how the city got to where it is in Pet.
That said, on its own Bitter is a great book tackling difficult topics. It can be a little on the nose at times (like the evil billionaire who is basically a stand in for Jeff Bezos) and this is a book that takes a definite stance against violent resistance. And though it gets there in an empathetic way, be aware that this isn't the sort of book that leaves the reader to determine morality. Instead it has a very clear philosophy in mind. On the other hand, it does a great job of introducing readers to the realities of non-violent protest, and talks about the importance of self care when involved in activism. Mental health is important too and sometimes you need to take a step back. Some people are unable to contribute in a direct way and must find their own path to bringing about change. All of that was great.
So not quite what I was expecting and not a perfect book in my view, but a very good one and worth your time. Bahni Turpin does the audio narration and she is always fantastic. I received an audio review copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
February 10, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
Read
January 14, 2022Love me some quality time with Akwaeke Emezi. Pet and Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir are two of my all time favourite books, so I was 100% hyped for this. I think the characters were fantastic, with edges and spikes and depth. I'm always in awe of Akwaeke's writing, it's so alive and vibrant that I wonder why I even try writing myself cause I'll never get on that same level. The central themes of this prequel to Pet are the importance of self-healing, community and non-violence, which were delivered beautifully. Still, there was something about the plot or world-building that didn't entirely click with me, but I can't put my finger on it. I'm excited for book three in this amazing YA series regardless. Akwaeke is one original und incomparable writer.
March 11, 2023
7.71 on CAWPILE
Want to read
September 27, 2021We're getting Bitter's story, and this cover is everything, and my heart is so full. I can't wait.
April 13, 2022
Hmmm 3.5 stars
Loved what it had to say politically (especially about how being on the front lines is not the only way to do your part in a protest) and I'm always down for some revolution, but I wish that this had either been longer or had more of a focus on the Vengeance plotline from the start.
Loved what it had to say politically (especially about how being on the front lines is not the only way to do your part in a protest) and I'm always down for some revolution, but I wish that this had either been longer or had more of a focus on the Vengeance plotline from the start.
Want to read
January 18, 2022I didn't realize this was happening!? This is really exciting!
April 2, 2022
I didn't finish this book for two reasons:
1- It's not similar to Pet and it's very boring.
2- When you want to make your books diverse you should make some research before throwing shit in it and call it a day. This book has a side character who is Muslim, hijabi, lesbian and drinks alcohol too. like wtf? didn't the author try to ask some Muslim people to see if this acceptable or even right to do? I understand you want to make your book as diverse as possible, but this is outright ignorant and stupid.
1- It's not similar to Pet and it's very boring.
2- When you want to make your books diverse you should make some research before throwing shit in it and call it a day. This book has a side character who is Muslim, hijabi, lesbian and drinks alcohol too. like wtf? didn't the author try to ask some Muslim people to see if this acceptable or even right to do? I understand you want to make your book as diverse as possible, but this is outright ignorant and stupid.
November 22, 2021
This series is so bold and brave. Saying more truth than most adult books out there.
Read
March 30, 2022I clearly got a different copy of the book than everyone else...
And it's not even that I thought that the book was bad. I just... didn't care...
In a lot of books you come into a world where a character already exists and see their established relationships and just have to go with it. Here I felt like I was tuning into the season finale of a long running teen drama that had lots of backstory baked in before the book ever started. In some ways it worked, some of the relationships felt organic and I could get with. Others felt hard to keep up with or simply just didn't make sense, especially when taken as a whole.
As for the central conflict, that was really what felt the most season finale about the whole book. Without getting into it, I just didn't care for it. I didn't like how it came to be, what happened as it came to be, or how we wrapped it all up. None of it felt like a fun use of my time, but more over it just... was hard to follow? It comes into play a little over a hundred pages in and just... didn't work.
Again, the book wasn't bad. It had a lot of interesting ideas, some I thought were easier to follow than other. Most of the ideas felt under baked and poorly executed. I'm happy that people enjoyed this, but as my first experience with Emezi... I was simply whelmed.
And it's not even that I thought that the book was bad. I just... didn't care...
In a lot of books you come into a world where a character already exists and see their established relationships and just have to go with it. Here I felt like I was tuning into the season finale of a long running teen drama that had lots of backstory baked in before the book ever started. In some ways it worked, some of the relationships felt organic and I could get with. Others felt hard to keep up with or simply just didn't make sense, especially when taken as a whole.
As for the central conflict, that was really what felt the most season finale about the whole book. Without getting into it, I just didn't care for it. I didn't like how it came to be, what happened as it came to be, or how we wrapped it all up. None of it felt like a fun use of my time, but more over it just... was hard to follow? It comes into play a little over a hundred pages in and just... didn't work.
Again, the book wasn't bad. It had a lot of interesting ideas, some I thought were easier to follow than other. Most of the ideas felt under baked and poorly executed. I'm happy that people enjoyed this, but as my first experience with Emezi... I was simply whelmed.
February 23, 2022
This book was so good. So many fantastic lessons to take away from this novel. I think that I still enjoyed Pet a little bit more by its comparing one 5 star to another. I loved the conversation of the role that every single person plays in the fight against racism and social injustice. Whether that is being out on the front lines of the fight or not every personal plays a very vital roll and there is importance in all of it. I absolutely love the voice that Akaweke gives their characters and the power behind each person they decide to write. This was such a powerful book that I will think back upon often. I cannot wait to do a reread and tab the heck out of this one.
It also helps that the audiobooks is narrated by my favorite audiobook narrator. Bahni Turpin is a legend.
It also helps that the audiobooks is narrated by my favorite audiobook narrator. Bahni Turpin is a legend.
Read
August 21, 2022Much improved upon since pet!
February 23, 2022
Powerful, moving, original and superbly written. This was everything I’d hoped for from a Pet follow up and then some. Emezi is truly brilliant.
TW: racism, mention of past homophobia, police brutality, abuse
TW: racism, mention of past homophobia, police brutality, abuse
July 22, 2024
What an underwhelming follow-up/prequel to Pet (which I mostly loved!) Bitter is a coming-of-age story that features Jam's parents amidst the backdrop of Lucille's revolutionary period. While this sounded promising, Emezi abandoned the detailed yet subtle worldbuilding that made the Lucille of their first book in this series so enjoyable.
In its place, they've delivered a bible-thumping, derivative drudge of a book that forges ahead with its plot with little respect for its characters. I think Emezi miscalculated where the brilliance of Pet was—not in the utopian renderings of Lucille, which anyone could have come up with, but the skillful construction of youth who were truly innocent enough to have lived this other world. In Bitter, the young people are plot devices that you barely get to know before they're placed in otherworldly situations. I dare say that the scene in Pet where Redemption's family is in the kitchen and their parent is peeling the fruit has more characterization than the entirety of this book.
My other gripe is that if Emezi was going to blow by the real-life characters, I would have at least appreciated a better explanation of Bitter's magical realism elements. Those of y'all who have been with me for a while on here know I don't have the range for the supernatural stories, but at least in Pet these components were measured enough to be tolerable. Here, the angels are so hastily depicted that I never was disarmed by them, which of course makes the terrible "twist" of their true powers much less shocking than it was in Pet.
For so long, I feel like everyone has watched in wonder as Akwaeke Emezi has been a book-producing machine!! Unfortunately this time, I feel like quantity has finally caught up with them, in exchange for quality. Bitter feels churned out of an "I spent summer 2020 on Twitter" assembly line, no longer as original and arresting as their earlier work that so many of us came to love.
Final note: Unlike Pet, Bitter is textbook YA, which means my criticisms probably are irrelevant to the target audience. Slowly but surely, I am trying to break the chains of 20-something lesbians reading books made for teenagers, so I will stop my complaining here and go read something written for people my age.
In its place, they've delivered a bible-thumping, derivative drudge of a book that forges ahead with its plot with little respect for its characters. I think Emezi miscalculated where the brilliance of Pet was—not in the utopian renderings of Lucille, which anyone could have come up with, but the skillful construction of youth who were truly innocent enough to have lived this other world. In Bitter, the young people are plot devices that you barely get to know before they're placed in otherworldly situations. I dare say that the scene in Pet where Redemption's family is in the kitchen and their parent is peeling the fruit has more characterization than the entirety of this book.
My other gripe is that if Emezi was going to blow by the real-life characters, I would have at least appreciated a better explanation of Bitter's magical realism elements. Those of y'all who have been with me for a while on here know I don't have the range for the supernatural stories, but at least in Pet these components were measured enough to be tolerable. Here, the angels are so hastily depicted that I never was disarmed by them, which of course makes the terrible "twist" of their true powers much less shocking than it was in Pet.
For so long, I feel like everyone has watched in wonder as Akwaeke Emezi has been a book-producing machine!! Unfortunately this time, I feel like quantity has finally caught up with them, in exchange for quality. Bitter feels churned out of an "I spent summer 2020 on Twitter" assembly line, no longer as original and arresting as their earlier work that so many of us came to love.
Final note: Unlike Pet, Bitter is textbook YA, which means my criticisms probably are irrelevant to the target audience. Slowly but surely, I am trying to break the chains of 20-something lesbians reading books made for teenagers, so I will stop my complaining here and go read something written for people my age.
June 10, 2022
Currently mourning the book this wasn't.
Edit: Now that I'm at a desktop instead of my phone, I'll add a few thoughts.
I was really invested in the first half, but I was severely let down by the way it backpedaled. It's almost as if the author wrote an alternate ending for Bitter that provided a more ethical/moral solution to the problem, in order to make a statement about the "right" way to resolve our current societal issues, but the problem with that is-- Pet came out first, and honestly? The "solution" would NEVER work.
When we read Pet, we get a sense of how Lucille came to exist the way it does. We are led to believe a divine intervention happened, where angels and humans came together to purge society's "monsters," leaving space for the people who remained to create a utopia for its residents. In this utopia, kids literally have no concept of evil. They don't know anything about the evils man can do to each other, because of the culling. They don't even know the "monsters" of old were human beings perpetrating evil on each other.
In Bitter, we seem to be rapidly approaching that breaking point, and Bitter calls forth Vengeance, and then... a whole lot of talking happens, and no action. The angels are removed from the equation after killing only one of their targets, a billionaire, and we're supposed to believe that Lucille is able to become what it is in Pet through the work of humans alone? On top of that, we're expected to believe that the corrupt justice system in Lucille cooperates with the revolutionaries-- despite believing that angels never existed in the first place, and it was supposedly a member of the revolutionaries who executed the billionaire???? I'm sorry, but that's so ridiculous that it's insulting.
I couldn't bring myself to give this less than 3 stars because I loved Pet so much, and this started so well. I was extremely emotional with how FARMILIAR the setup is. The helplessness that Bitter feels-- I feel that. The inability to do *anything* significant to change our circumstances makes it difficult to have any hope at all. That's why the end feels like such a slap in the face.
Edit: Now that I'm at a desktop instead of my phone, I'll add a few thoughts.
I was really invested in the first half, but I was severely let down by the way it backpedaled. It's almost as if the author wrote an alternate ending for Bitter that provided a more ethical/moral solution to the problem, in order to make a statement about the "right" way to resolve our current societal issues, but the problem with that is-- Pet came out first, and honestly? The "solution" would NEVER work.
When we read Pet, we get a sense of how Lucille came to exist the way it does. We are led to believe a divine intervention happened, where angels and humans came together to purge society's "monsters," leaving space for the people who remained to create a utopia for its residents. In this utopia, kids literally have no concept of evil. They don't know anything about the evils man can do to each other, because of the culling. They don't even know the "monsters" of old were human beings perpetrating evil on each other.
In Bitter, we seem to be rapidly approaching that breaking point, and Bitter calls forth Vengeance, and then... a whole lot of talking happens, and no action. The angels are removed from the equation after killing only one of their targets, a billionaire, and we're supposed to believe that Lucille is able to become what it is in Pet through the work of humans alone? On top of that, we're expected to believe that the corrupt justice system in Lucille cooperates with the revolutionaries-- despite believing that angels never existed in the first place, and it was supposedly a member of the revolutionaries who executed the billionaire???? I'm sorry, but that's so ridiculous that it's insulting.
I couldn't bring myself to give this less than 3 stars because I loved Pet so much, and this started so well. I was extremely emotional with how FARMILIAR the setup is. The helplessness that Bitter feels-- I feel that. The inability to do *anything* significant to change our circumstances makes it difficult to have any hope at all. That's why the end feels like such a slap in the face.
February 25, 2022
I feel like I’m going to read everything that Akwaeke Emezi writes.
Their writing style is on point and it’s always infinitely engaging, emotionally absorbing and a delight to read.
Pet definitely broke the mold for me when it came to intriguing and uniquely executed YA, but this was a solid follow up. The language of the Islands juxtaposed against AAVE dialects was refreshing, culturally astute for the 17 year old characters, and awesome to read because yo that representation matters and I love seeing it get incorporated in different ways!!!
I loved the distinct identities of all the kids whether they be Eucalyptus or Assata. No characters blended together, and all of the differences and everyone’s distinct powers came through.
The morality piece of the story amped me up and I loved Miss Virtue as a character and her counterpart Miss Bilphena. Two baddies holding down their cliques of students.
Vengeance, oh Vengeance!!! Vengeance is a dish best served smoky.
Shoutout to my reading buddy, always a joy to discuss these books with you!
I can’t wait for Akwaeke’s next release!
Their writing style is on point and it’s always infinitely engaging, emotionally absorbing and a delight to read.
Pet definitely broke the mold for me when it came to intriguing and uniquely executed YA, but this was a solid follow up. The language of the Islands juxtaposed against AAVE dialects was refreshing, culturally astute for the 17 year old characters, and awesome to read because yo that representation matters and I love seeing it get incorporated in different ways!!!
I loved the distinct identities of all the kids whether they be Eucalyptus or Assata. No characters blended together, and all of the differences and everyone’s distinct powers came through.
The morality piece of the story amped me up and I loved Miss Virtue as a character and her counterpart Miss Bilphena. Two baddies holding down their cliques of students.
Vengeance, oh Vengeance!!! Vengeance is a dish best served smoky.
Shoutout to my reading buddy, always a joy to discuss these books with you!
I can’t wait for Akwaeke’s next release!
March 29, 2022
Thank you Random House Childrens Books and Team Underlined for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!
Akwaeke Emezi writes modern day bible stories. Simultaneously a mirror of our own society and a warning sign of a future that could be, this book is the voice of a revolution.
CW: police brutality, self harm (for magic), blood, gore, death, violence, gun violence, domestic child abuse (past), homophobia (past, mention)
Akwaeke Emezi writes modern day bible stories. Simultaneously a mirror of our own society and a warning sign of a future that could be, this book is the voice of a revolution.
CW: police brutality, self harm (for magic), blood, gore, death, violence, gun violence, domestic child abuse (past), homophobia (past, mention)
September 3, 2023
I can't wait to read everything Akwaeke Emezi has written!
February 8, 2022
I'm fast becoming a HUGE fan of Akwaeke Emezi. They know how to write and their story of PET, which I read and ADORED, was one of my favorites last year. Lo and behold, there's a companion novel about Jam's mother, Bitter?! **GRABBY HANDS**
This is basically a prequel to PET, where we get to learn how the world we meet in PET comes about. And I did so lovingly love learning more about Bitter. Emezi does a fantastic job throwing in some levity while tackling some serious subjects. Not only do we talk about the expected art within the book, but what it stands for in activism, different types of protests and my favorite part - SELF CARE and taking care of mental health. There are many different ways to contribute and many different ways to help others. Just make sure you're taking care of yourself within the process!!
This can absolutely be read as a standalone and if you haven't read PET yet, I'd probably encourage you to read this first, BUT it's not necessary. And for those who have read PET already, definitely pick this up as well. Note that it has a very different feel and atmosphere as it tackles different themes. While we get Bitter as a young adult, this reads more "adult" than its companion.
Shout out to the narrator who did an amazing job with the audiobook. Shout out to Akwaeke for bringing us another wonderful story.
This is basically a prequel to PET, where we get to learn how the world we meet in PET comes about. And I did so lovingly love learning more about Bitter. Emezi does a fantastic job throwing in some levity while tackling some serious subjects. Not only do we talk about the expected art within the book, but what it stands for in activism, different types of protests and my favorite part - SELF CARE and taking care of mental health. There are many different ways to contribute and many different ways to help others. Just make sure you're taking care of yourself within the process!!
This can absolutely be read as a standalone and if you haven't read PET yet, I'd probably encourage you to read this first, BUT it's not necessary. And for those who have read PET already, definitely pick this up as well. Note that it has a very different feel and atmosphere as it tackles different themes. While we get Bitter as a young adult, this reads more "adult" than its companion.
Shout out to the narrator who did an amazing job with the audiobook. Shout out to Akwaeke for bringing us another wonderful story.
March 3, 2023
Oh my wow.
OH MY WOWOWOW!!!!!
I’ve read this prequel before even reading ‘Pet’ yet so I’m not sure how much that affects my experience of the story but regardless…this took my breath away.
Visceral. Gorgeous. Wonderfully-written.
“The Revolution needs artists” and Bitter uses her gift of bringing artwork to life with blood to accidentally summon Vengeance to fight in the revolution forming right outside her window.
I’m itching to get into ‘Pet’ now.
Holy shit this was everything.
CW: numerous depictions of self harm, death, murder, dead loved ones, grief, brief ableism, police brutality, references to neglect and abuse, brief reference to conversion therapy
OH MY WOWOWOW!!!!!
I’ve read this prequel before even reading ‘Pet’ yet so I’m not sure how much that affects my experience of the story but regardless…this took my breath away.
Visceral. Gorgeous. Wonderfully-written.
“The Revolution needs artists” and Bitter uses her gift of bringing artwork to life with blood to accidentally summon Vengeance to fight in the revolution forming right outside her window.
I’m itching to get into ‘Pet’ now.
Holy shit this was everything.
CW: numerous depictions of self harm, death, murder, dead loved ones, grief, brief ableism, police brutality, references to neglect and abuse, brief reference to conversion therapy
February 22, 2022
wow. just wow.
June 23, 2023
4.5 stars
I wasn't expecting to love this, especially more than Pet. I thought this was paced a bit better, had a slightly more engaging plot and I adored Bitter as a main character. Although she was strong willed, her vulnerabilities and fear around fighting for a better world really resonated with me. My issues with delivery aside, the actual messaging around activist spaces, communal relationships, what justice looks like, etc was well thought out and nuanced. The fantastical/magical realism elements were sort of sprinkled in at the beginning but then really picked up and won me over towards the end. Aloe was also the absolute sweetest and his relationship with Bitter was just as sweet and also imperfect and queer as hell and I was just obsessed. It made me want to revisit Pet to see them in this new light. Overall, this did exactly what a prequel should do: recontextualized the book I'd already read by expanding on the lore/previous ideas and had enough of a story on its own to justify needing an entirely new book. The audiobook narration was also A+, shoutout to Bahni Turpin!
I just have to round down bc the themes were delivered so..obviously? I don't think messaging has to be subtle for me to enjoy a story (example: N.K. Jemisin) but the way it was woven in didn't even seem like an attempt at feeling natural. This book was also very clearly written in the heat of the pandemic....idk the messages were still timeless and will unfortunately continue to resonate for years. I just wish they didn't feel SO much like a direct response to 2020-2021, if that makes sense.
Once again, Akwaeke Emezi has written a book I adore. They just continue to deliver, and I feel comfortable calling them a favorite author of mine.
I wasn't expecting to love this, especially more than Pet. I thought this was paced a bit better, had a slightly more engaging plot and I adored Bitter as a main character. Although she was strong willed, her vulnerabilities and fear around fighting for a better world really resonated with me. My issues with delivery aside, the actual messaging around activist spaces, communal relationships, what justice looks like, etc was well thought out and nuanced. The fantastical/magical realism elements were sort of sprinkled in at the beginning but then really picked up and won me over towards the end. Aloe was also the absolute sweetest and his relationship with Bitter was just as sweet and also imperfect and queer as hell and I was just obsessed. It made me want to revisit Pet to see them in this new light. Overall, this did exactly what a prequel should do: recontextualized the book I'd already read by expanding on the lore/previous ideas and had enough of a story on its own to justify needing an entirely new book. The audiobook narration was also A+, shoutout to Bahni Turpin!
I just have to round down bc the themes were delivered so..obviously? I don't think messaging has to be subtle for me to enjoy a story (example: N.K. Jemisin) but the way it was woven in didn't even seem like an attempt at feeling natural. This book was also very clearly written in the heat of the pandemic....idk the messages were still timeless and will unfortunately continue to resonate for years. I just wish they didn't feel SO much like a direct response to 2020-2021, if that makes sense.
Once again, Akwaeke Emezi has written a book I adore. They just continue to deliver, and I feel comfortable calling them a favorite author of mine.
March 6, 2022
I don’t know what happened here but this book could not keep attention whatsoever. I could literally only read this for about 5 minutes at a time before I’d zone out for a while. I don’t really know why, all the elements of this book were good and I was objectively enjoying it. But I just couldn’t keep engaged with it for some reason
January 11, 2022
I think anyone who follows me probably knows I'm obsessed with Akwaeke Emezi's work. I was extremely lucky to be sent an early copy of Bitter, Emezi's second YA novel which is a companion and prequel to their 2019 novel Pet.
And honestly, this is so very good. Emezi triumphantly returns to the town of Lucille, exploring its history of monsters and angels, in this outstanding novel of safety, protest, art and power. It's a stunning and urgent companion novel to Pet.
Firstly, if you've not read Pet, do not fear. You don't need to, and in fact I think I would probably recommend reading this one first anyway.
Readers of Pet will recognise the protagonist Bitter as Jam's mother, but here we meet her as a young woman, having recently arrived to the town of Lucille to study at an inclusive arts school, Eucalyptus. But outside the gates of her school is a war, as the brave activists of Assata fight against the monsters of oppression for a new world that they deserve. Bitter just wants to make art, and revel in the safety she's finally found after a tumultuous childhood. When she creates a powerful piece of art, everything changes and she finds herself pulled into the fight.
Telling the history of Lucille and its monsters was always going to be ambitious, and Emezi not only sticks the landing but adds extra weight to the mythology and history of the town. As Bitter is a little older than Jam, I feel like we get a broader narrative viewpoint, and also the book is easily twice as long as Pet, so expect a slightly different reading experience on that front. But in typical Emezi fashion the prose is stunning, and the characterisation is strong throughout.
While still playing with the concept of angels and monsters that they explore so deftly in Pet, Bitter explores the power of art, protest, solidarity and built communities that put marginalised people first.
And honestly, this is so very good. Emezi triumphantly returns to the town of Lucille, exploring its history of monsters and angels, in this outstanding novel of safety, protest, art and power. It's a stunning and urgent companion novel to Pet.
Firstly, if you've not read Pet, do not fear. You don't need to, and in fact I think I would probably recommend reading this one first anyway.
Readers of Pet will recognise the protagonist Bitter as Jam's mother, but here we meet her as a young woman, having recently arrived to the town of Lucille to study at an inclusive arts school, Eucalyptus. But outside the gates of her school is a war, as the brave activists of Assata fight against the monsters of oppression for a new world that they deserve. Bitter just wants to make art, and revel in the safety she's finally found after a tumultuous childhood. When she creates a powerful piece of art, everything changes and she finds herself pulled into the fight.
Telling the history of Lucille and its monsters was always going to be ambitious, and Emezi not only sticks the landing but adds extra weight to the mythology and history of the town. As Bitter is a little older than Jam, I feel like we get a broader narrative viewpoint, and also the book is easily twice as long as Pet, so expect a slightly different reading experience on that front. But in typical Emezi fashion the prose is stunning, and the characterisation is strong throughout.
While still playing with the concept of angels and monsters that they explore so deftly in Pet, Bitter explores the power of art, protest, solidarity and built communities that put marginalised people first.
July 21, 2022
I was loving this book but then had to drop a star for the ending. It felt so clean, simple and easy. Also kind of obvious that that was the solution?? Especially after the middle really dragged to get there. Also, I think my favorite part of Pet is the dynamic between Jam and Pet which is a stark contrast from the dynamic in this story. I found that disappointing but it’s not fair to count that against the book.
But I did love Bitter as a character. I loved the emphasis on community, the queer safe spaces, art and healing. The conversation about different ways of fighting for what you believe in. I loved Aloe even though Emezi was trying to make me hate him at some points because of unnecessary arguments he and Bitter were having. And of course Emezi is a really strong writer.
I enjoyed being back in the World even if the final act let me down.
But I did love Bitter as a character. I loved the emphasis on community, the queer safe spaces, art and healing. The conversation about different ways of fighting for what you believe in. I loved Aloe even though Emezi was trying to make me hate him at some points because of unnecessary arguments he and Bitter were having. And of course Emezi is a really strong writer.
I enjoyed being back in the World even if the final act let me down.
October 11, 2022
A stunning prequel that though completely different than the original was still brilliant.
March 3, 2024
Bitter is in constant dialogue with both Pet, the book to which it is a prequel, and our society, the world on which it builds its commentary. Bitter takes place in a no-place-and-yet-everyplace city in a not-now-but-possibly-tomorrow future, Lucille.
We follow Bitter, the Black woman who will be Jam’s mother in Pet, as an older teenaged student and artist who just wants to keep her head down and survive Lucille. The city is stagnant with political and economic corruption, rocked by mass protests, and people are daily injured and killed by the police.
Perhaps Bitter’s inexplicable ability to bleed on her art and cause it to come to life could help the situation? Perhaps it could make everything worse? Or, distressingly, perhaps both?
A quick, engaging, thought-provoking read. I think I enjoyed Pet a bit more, but they are both excellent additions to the YA canon.
We follow Bitter, the Black woman who will be Jam’s mother in Pet, as an older teenaged student and artist who just wants to keep her head down and survive Lucille. The city is stagnant with political and economic corruption, rocked by mass protests, and people are daily injured and killed by the police.
Perhaps Bitter’s inexplicable ability to bleed on her art and cause it to come to life could help the situation? Perhaps it could make everything worse? Or, distressingly, perhaps both?
A quick, engaging, thought-provoking read. I think I enjoyed Pet a bit more, but they are both excellent additions to the YA canon.
January 29, 2022
5⭐️
Akwaeke Emezi can do no wrong in my eyes. Bitter was an incredible companion novel to Pet - where we got to learn so much about Lucille and Jam’s mom, Bitter. Bitter takes place years before Pet, in a time where monsters still roamed Lucille and a revolution was occurring. I think a lot of people will find this story very relatable. The setting is in a world similar to our own, where the rich have all the power, poverty and inequality are destroying the lives of many, and protests are taking place in the streets.
Pet has a really strong engaging plot, and I think Bitters was a *little less so. I was never bored for one moment, but the focus was more on the world building and characters (which I thought worked really well)!
THERE’S A ROMANCE!!! I loved Bitter and Aloe so much, and following their relationship made me blush so many times :) As a YA book, I thought their romance worked so well. They both made mistakes (as teens do), and I thought their interactions were so honest and realistic and truly lovely.
The side characters!!!! So so fun. I wish I had a friend group as mature, fun, and supportive as Bitters friends when I was a teen.
It’s easy to forget this is YA . Emezi does such a good job of writing in a way that is approachable for young readers, but also impactful for adults too. The themes and messages are pretty on-the-nose which makes sense with it being YA, but Emezi doesn’t hold back in writing whole characters that are so easy to love, no matter your age.
LOVED the message about how you don’t have to be on the front lines of any movement to be revolutionary or make a difference. I think it’s a great reminder that we all have different strengths that should be honored, and not every person can be the one on the streets. People who can make sandwiches, organize meetings, and even show up as a friend are so valuable.
“He had no idea, she thought, truly no idea how much of someone’s world he could shift just by being himself.”
I could read books set in this universe forever. Give us a Miss Virtue Book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Akwaeke Emezi can do no wrong in my eyes. Bitter was an incredible companion novel to Pet - where we got to learn so much about Lucille and Jam’s mom, Bitter. Bitter takes place years before Pet, in a time where monsters still roamed Lucille and a revolution was occurring. I think a lot of people will find this story very relatable. The setting is in a world similar to our own, where the rich have all the power, poverty and inequality are destroying the lives of many, and protests are taking place in the streets.
Pet has a really strong engaging plot, and I think Bitters was a *little less so. I was never bored for one moment, but the focus was more on the world building and characters (which I thought worked really well)!
THERE’S A ROMANCE!!! I loved Bitter and Aloe so much, and following their relationship made me blush so many times :) As a YA book, I thought their romance worked so well. They both made mistakes (as teens do), and I thought their interactions were so honest and realistic and truly lovely.
The side characters!!!! So so fun. I wish I had a friend group as mature, fun, and supportive as Bitters friends when I was a teen.
It’s easy to forget this is YA . Emezi does such a good job of writing in a way that is approachable for young readers, but also impactful for adults too. The themes and messages are pretty on-the-nose which makes sense with it being YA, but Emezi doesn’t hold back in writing whole characters that are so easy to love, no matter your age.
LOVED the message about how you don’t have to be on the front lines of any movement to be revolutionary or make a difference. I think it’s a great reminder that we all have different strengths that should be honored, and not every person can be the one on the streets. People who can make sandwiches, organize meetings, and even show up as a friend are so valuable.
“He had no idea, she thought, truly no idea how much of someone’s world he could shift just by being himself.”
I could read books set in this universe forever. Give us a Miss Virtue Book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2022
In their second YA novel, Akwaeke Emezi challenges us to think about the purpose of protest, the power of youth, and the expression of art. As a companion and prequel to their 2019 novel 𝙋𝙚𝙩, 𝘽𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 sketches out the challenges of a young, queer Black girl attending Eucalyptus, a special school for gifted and forsaken youth. However, outside the walls of her sanctuary, the streets of Lucille are decorated with protestors demanding change for the injustices they continue to face. Bitter doesn’t know where she actually belongs: “She was seventeen and she thought it was ridiculous that adults wanted young people to be the ones saving the world, as if her generation was the one that had broken everything in the first place.“
If anything, this book tell us that history repeats itself. Revolution is nothing new. Yet, our MC is just not feeling this revolution—she gets panic attacks just thinking about protests and police shootings—but has a lingering feeling of guilt because as an artist she can’t be involved in social change. Her friends stress: “The revolution needs artists, just like it needs healers and storytellers, just like it needs the organizers and protesters. It's all one big organism working together.” In essence, they reassure Bitter that she and her art matter full stop. Gil Scott-Heron told us in 1971 that “the revolution will not be televised,” but it will be recorded on IG and TikTok.
𝘽𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 outlines the realities of protest and the significance of self-care when contributing to activism. It is true that “There is no change without sacrifice.”Sometimes we lose things and we need to take a step back for our mental health. All of us cannot be on the front line. All activists don’t march. Nonetheless, the toll activism takes on individuals requires rest and release, too. I enjoyed that the novel shows this aspect.
I read 𝘽𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 first, but it can be read after reading 𝙋𝙚𝙩. This one reads more mature and has more heavy, thematic issues. Emezi’s writing is amazing and I adore their work and they are an auto buy.
If anything, this book tell us that history repeats itself. Revolution is nothing new. Yet, our MC is just not feeling this revolution—she gets panic attacks just thinking about protests and police shootings—but has a lingering feeling of guilt because as an artist she can’t be involved in social change. Her friends stress: “The revolution needs artists, just like it needs healers and storytellers, just like it needs the organizers and protesters. It's all one big organism working together.” In essence, they reassure Bitter that she and her art matter full stop. Gil Scott-Heron told us in 1971 that “the revolution will not be televised,” but it will be recorded on IG and TikTok.
𝘽𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 outlines the realities of protest and the significance of self-care when contributing to activism. It is true that “There is no change without sacrifice.”Sometimes we lose things and we need to take a step back for our mental health. All of us cannot be on the front line. All activists don’t march. Nonetheless, the toll activism takes on individuals requires rest and release, too. I enjoyed that the novel shows this aspect.
I read 𝘽𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 first, but it can be read after reading 𝙋𝙚𝙩. This one reads more mature and has more heavy, thematic issues. Emezi’s writing is amazing and I adore their work and they are an auto buy.
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