Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter: A Reflective Journey Through Pain and Redemption
Sometimes, a book catches your attention not just for its plot, but for its emotional resonance, and Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter by J.L. Crewson did just that for me. Just the title alone evokes a sense of duality and complexity, reflecting the intricate layers of family dynamics, love, and pain. I was fortunate enough to receive a digital ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, and I must admit, this gripping yet bittersweet tale lingered in my mind long after I flipped the final page.
At its core, the novel follows Providence, a young woman recently released from jail after a harrowing incident involving her mother. Upon returning to her small hometown, she finds the landscape of her family irrevocably altered — her mother is missing, her sisters harbor resentment, and her father, an abusive figure from her past, remains. As Providence grapples with her past mistakes and attempts to make amends, we delve deep into themes of familial piety, betrayal, and the struggle for self-identity in a community steeped in quiet despair.
What stood out to me most about Crewson’s writing is her ability to evoke raw emotion through her characters. Providence isn’t just a protagonist; she feels like a friend with whom you share your own scars and secrets. Crewson captures the excruciating journey of a woman trying to convince herself that she is worthy of love, even as she navigates the icy indifference of those around her. The way the author fleshes out the family dynamics brought an unexpected depth. Even though I felt a strong urge to dislike Providence’s sisters, I couldn’t help but acknowledge their own suffering and struggles. It’s a testament to the nuanced character development that Crewson gracefully weaves throughout the text.
That being said, the novel’s pacing mirrored the slow burn of a small-town life, reminiscent of HBO’s True Detective. For a hefty portion of the book, I found myself impatiently wishing Providence would take decisive action to locate her mother. The languid pace may test the patience of some readers, but for me, it enhanced the atmosphere and gave room for character development to blossom. It’s a deliberate choice that serves to emphasize the relentless weight of Providence’s internal battles.
There are moments of profound clarity in the writing that resonate deeply, such as when Providence laments her lack of affection, declaring, "Sometimes, love feels like a far-off dream." These sentiments linger long after they’ve been read, inviting reflection on our own experiences with familial love and betrayal.
In conclusion, Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter is a bittersweet examination of human frailty that will resonate particularly with readers who appreciate intricate family dramas and character-driven narratives. It offers an unflinching look at how the ties that bind us can also suffocate us under their weight. If you’re willing to immerse yourself in a slow-paced, reflective story that explores the complexities of love and pain, this book might just carve out a space in your heart, as it did in mine.
So grab a cozy blanket and a cup of tea, and prepare to engage with Providence’s heartfelt journey — it’s a reading experience that’s as enlightening as it is heavy.
Discover more about Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter on GoodReads >>