Bitter Sweet is the story of a damaged young girl during a year of bad choices that includes an illicit affair that will change her life forever. It is somber and bleak and hard to look away from, but ultimately a story many might see themselves in in some way or another. It is a very human story about growing up and showing up.
Charlie’s mother died unexpectedly when Charlie was a teenager, leaving her primary guardian her step-father, a man she’s not even related to. This trauma informs a lot of the way Charlie thinks of herself, leaving her with low-self-esteem and a deep sense of not belonging. During the hard years she found refuge in the novels of Richard Aveling, and when she meets him as part of her job in publishing, they share a special moment. A moment turns to an evening, then into a clandestine affair that swallows her whole.
Charlie’s story teaches us about friendship and obsession and the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our actions. It’s about betrayal and depression and being chased by a nameless darkness. It’s about all the hard parts of growing up and realizing we’re responsible for the choices we make. It’s a sad story, but an important one.
Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Details
Title:: Bitter Sweet
Author:: Hattie Williams
Genre:: Contemporary Fiction
Publisher:: Ballantine Books
Length:: 304 pages
Audio Length:: 12h
Audiobook Narrator:: TBA
Published:: July 8th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 4-Stars
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