But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices. This timely and riveting novel-a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet-explores the power of youth, protest, and art. Pulled between old friendships, her creative passion, and a new romance, Bitter isnt sure where she belongs - in the art studio or in the streets. After a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. And if she does find a way to help the revolution while being true to who she is, she must also ask: at what cost? Pulled between old friendships, her artistic passion, and a new romance, Bitter isn’t sure where she belongs-in the studio or in the streets. but her friends aren’t willing to settle for a world that’s so far away from what they deserve. It hits on themes of pain, abuse, redemption, and reconciliation.

Pet is gloriously strange and mysterious. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the city of Lucille.īitter’s instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus. Review: To start this review, I have to go back to the first Emezi novel I read, Pet (read that review first), about a girl named Jam and an angel she accidentally releases from her mother’s painting. From National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi comes a companion novel to the critically acclaimed PET that explores both the importance and cost of social revolution–and how youth lead the way.Īfter a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens.

Bitter akwaeke emezi review