Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter: A Raw Journey Through Family and Forgiveness
From the very first pages of Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter by Jennifer Crewson, I felt an overwhelming pull to the story—a well of complexity that mirrored the tumultuous waters of familial bonds. As someone who’s always been captivated by tales of resilience and redemption, the premise of a young woman trying to reclaim her life after a troubled past resonated deeply with me. Thanks to a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, I dove into this emotional labyrinth, and boy, was it a ride that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
At its core, Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter revolves around Providence, a young woman released from prison after a disastrous incident that nearly claimed her mother’s life when she was just seventeen. Returning to a home riddled with ghosts—missing a mother, facing hostile sisters, and living under the shadow of an abusive father—Providence grapples with a mix of guilt and longing to mend the shattered pieces of her life. Crewson’s portrayal of Providence is hauntingly beautiful. My heart ached for her as she navigated her family’s expectations, battling the duality of love and resentment. My sweet child Providence, as I affectionately thought of her, exemplifies the struggle against a backdrop of familial dysfunction.
The family dynamics in this novel are portrayed with such nuance that I found myself torn between anger and empathy. It’s so easy to want to vilify characters like Providence’s father, yet Crewson invites us to consider their pain as part of a larger narrative. It’s immensely impactful when a story evokes such conflicting emotions—a testament to Crewson’s skill in character development. The slow pace, reminiscent of the tension in True Detective, creates an ambiance that invites you to sit with your thoughts, absorbing the layers of complexity surrounding each character. For me, it was a bit frustrating at times; I often found myself wanting Providence to act decisively and seek her mother instead of twirling in uncertainty. But perhaps that tension is precisely what makes this book resonate; it mirrors real life, where clarity often eludes us, and answers remain frustratingly out of reach.
Crewson’s writing is exquisite—delicate yet powerful. The way she crafted emotions left me immersed in Providence’s world. Each scene felt tangible, layered with imagery that evokes not just sights but feelings. While contemplating the book in the hours following my reading, I found myself reflecting on the central theme of familial piety. Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter explores the intricate balance between loyalty and honesty, both to our families and ourselves.
Ultimately, I settled on a 4-star rating after much reflection. While the slow pace tested my patience, the richness of the characters and their journeys overpowered that irritation. It’s a book that doesn’t shy away from the darker facets of life and family, embracing themes of betrayal and the quest for self-identity.
I’d recommend Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter to readers who appreciate character-driven narratives and emotional depth. If you are drawn to stories that explore complex family dynamics or those who enjoy a quieter pace—akin to a thoughtful stroll through a small town—this book will grip you. The reading experience was one of introspection and connection, prompting me to reflect on the importance of understanding the shades of grey in our relationships.
In a world often colored in black and white, this novel beautifully reminds us that every sweet thing indeed has a bit of bitterness.
Discover more about Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter on GoodReads >>