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Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

68 reviews

robinks's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This hit soooo close to home. While there were definitely some scenes that I wish could’ve been drawn out a bit longer, I loved getting a glimpse into Bitter’s youth. I read Pet so long ago, and I feel like I’d have a better appreciation of the characters’ journeys if I had read it more recently.
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leafilys's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I liked this book. It began as magical realism, which I loved, before turning pretty sharply into more of a modern fantasy.
Vengeance and the angels
are incredible metaphors that I’m sure will only become deeper or more interesting upon re-reads, but I wish they had been integrated a little more smoothly into the grounded world of Lucille.

Bitter is an amazingly well rounded and relatable character and her development was so engaging to read about. Her relationships with her friends, boyfriend, and mentors are so wholesome but still realistic. Each side character has a distinct personality and voice, none of them are shallow or simply used as plot devices. 

Reading about Assata was both a beautiful lesson in hope and community, and a brutal examination of the violence that protestors face. I like that this book is somewhat empathetic towards those that turn to violence because of the violence inflicted on them, but still drives home the message that love for your comrades will always be more important than hatred for your enemies.
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smittonwith's review

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

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gdulecki's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This prequel was so beautiful and special!!! I read pet earlier this year, really enjoyed it, and loved this look back into what came before. I love your mind Akwaeke Emezi!!!!! 
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caelinsullivan's review

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dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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dominosmum444's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

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ameliesbookshelf's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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slenoch's review against another edition

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dark hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I didn’t even know what this was about going into it and wow what a timely book…we all have a part to play in the revolution. 
Bitter is an artist. Aloe is a healer. Hibiscus is a fighter. During unrest and protest, all Bitter wants is for there to be no more monsters and maybe a teensy bit of retaliation. But not as much as some of the Assata members might...
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pikkumarja's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring mysterious fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

What an interesting book! I did not know it is a fantasy book but it all makes sense now. I loved the radicality and the discourse around the expectations and who's job is to change the world. The meaning and importance of the community is so beautifully written and all the young artists and activists are so brave.

The story could have been longer because from time to time it felt a bit rushed. But I love love love Akwaeke Emezi! And even when English is not my first language, this book is definitely a pleasant read.
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sundayfever's review against another edition

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dark hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

When paired with Pet, this is an incredible story for anyone thinking about systemic change and oppression and how to build a better world. Dark but honest. I loved it. 
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