Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

Before I begin writing this exciting book review by Nigerian non-binary author Akwaeke Emezi, I would like to include an enlightening quote by Oprah Winfrey.

We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are.

Themes

Person vs. Society

Person vs. Person

Person vs. Self

Youth

Vulnerability

Art

Protest

Synopsis

After spending a chunk of time in the foster care system, teenage artist Bitter is delighted to have been picked to attend Eucalyptus, a specialized art school in which she can connect with other artistic teenagers and devote her time to painting. Inside of Bitter's comfort zone is safe and secure, but outside of her zone is unsafe and frightening. The streets are packed with protests against the wrongs in the city of Lucille. Because of Bitter's great fear of putting herself in danger, she decides to stay safe within the boundaries of Eucalyptus. Although Bitter's choice to not be in front of the public eye is a reasonable choice for her, her peers are opposed to being "behind the public eye". Instead, they believe that the only way to correct society's mistakes is to be courageous enough to be a part of the protests and stand up for our rights.

Bitter is living on a complex planet of her own. She is dragged between past friendships, her artistic pursuit, and a new romantic relationship, which causes Bitter to be unknown of where she belongs- in the comfort of the creative arts studio or in the streets where she would witness all types of chaotic situations. If she manages to find a way to help the revolution while abiding by her personal safety rules, she must also ask herself: at what cost?

Why did I enjoy reading Bitter?

Bitter and I share some characteristics. We both enjoy doing art, we feel the need to protect ourselves by only staying in our comfort zones, we live on complex planets, and we both had traumatic experiences that shape who we are today.

Bitter didn't have a stable upbringing which created barriers for her. I was bullied in public school and it still effects me to this day. Despite the trauma both Bitter and I endured, we utilized our creative powers to cope. Bitter uses visual art as a means to quiet herself from the craziness at the foster home. Art is healing for many people who have been through trauma, because it enables self-expression without bias. Bitter would draw as a means to build her own worlds where she can escape to. I, on the other hand, would paint, draw, write and take photographs to empower myself and to remind myself that I'm living a beautiful existence.

Furthermore, reading Bitter was enlightening, because I got to learn more about the way Black people are and have been treated throughout the years. Police brutality is no joke. Bullying and community violence is also no joke. Any person who is a part of a vulnerable population whether that'd be racialized, LGBTQ, autism, mental health will likely experience some form of trauma at least once in their life. There's still work that needs to be done to ensure that vulnerable people are thriving in their communities. Bitter is a perfect example of these ideas that I'm sharing.

Who do I recommend this book to?

This book is mainly targeted to teenagers and young adults, but I feel that anyone can enjoy this book. Bitter will teach you lots of lessons that you'll remember for life. It's an emotional book, but it's very touching. If you enjoy art, want to learn more about Black people and their communities, as well as wanting to read something moving and magical, Bitter is the perfect novel for you to read or add to your TBR list!

You can purchase Bitter on Amazon, borrow it from the library or download it on your electronic devices.

Happy reading!

Rating: 5/5

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