Review of Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams
From the moment I stumbled upon Bitter Sweet, I felt an almost magnetic pull—perhaps it was the book’s captivating title, or maybe it was the promise of a deep dive into the murky waters of the publishing industry. As someone looking to step into that world myself, the concept was both thrilling and daunting. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
Bitter Sweet is a striking debut that delves into themes of loss, grief, and the often harsh realities of the publishing industry. At its center is Charlie Turner, a 23-year-old publicity assistant at a fictional big publishing house. Through Charlie, Williams provides readers with an unflinching look at her struggle with the grief of losing her mother as a teenager and her turbulent relationship with the charismatic yet manipulative author Richard Aveling. The juxtaposition of Charlie’s professional aspirations against the weight of her personal loss makes for an emotional rollercoaster that I, for one, wasn’t prepared for.
The dynamics of power in Charlie and Richard’s relationship illustrate the deeply ingrained issues of exploitation within the industry. As I followed Charlie’s journey, I often felt a mix of frustration and empathy. Here’s this young woman, full of dreams, yet blinded by her admiration for a man who sees her as nothing more than a pawn. It prompted me to reflect on how easily ambition can warp one’s judgment. Richard, in his 57 years of fame, is a despicable character who reminded me starkly of Jacob Strane from Kate Elizabeth Russell’s My Dark Vanessa. While Williams’ narrative is fictional, it shook me to recognize the painful truth behind such manipulative dynamics.
Williams’ prose is both lyrical and direct, illustrating Charlie’s internal struggles with a stark authenticity. The pacing flows beautifully, allowing the heavy themes to settle in without overwhelming the reader entirely. One particularly haunting quote stood out to me: "It must be a small club to be part of, to have loved and then lost someone whom the whole world has a piece of." This resonates deeply, striking a chord with anyone who has grappled with the profound effects of grief.
Yet, it’s not just the heart-wrenching themes of loss that make this book remarkable; it’s also the way Williams portrays the bustling, competitive nature of publishing. For those of us eager to step into this world, her portrayal serves as both a warning and an invitation—highlighting both the allure and the harsh truths that accompany it.
In conclusion, Bitter Sweet is a compelling and brilliantly crafted story that resonates on multiple levels. It’s a book that’ll leave you pondering the complexities of ambition, loss, and the human condition. If you’ve experienced grief or are curious about the publishing world—beware, but also welcome the poignant journey Williams leads you on. Personally, it has reshaped my understanding of both literature and the fragility of human connection. I can’t wait to see what Hattie Williams tackles next! 4/5 stars.