‘In my life, there are things that have happened to me, and things that I have done, that have proven to be moments that have a clear before and an after. One of those moments, perhaps in some ways the biggest, was the day that I met Richard Aveling for the first time.’
– Bitter Sweet
[ About Bitter Sweet ]
Charlie is twenty-three, single and the new publicity assistant at the independent London publishing house Winden & Shane. Richard Aveling is fifty-six, married and the author that has defined his generation.
Charlie has long idolised the charming, illustrious writer, who also represents a link to her late mother, who loved his work. But as they embark on an illicit and all-consuming affair, Charlie is forced to hide the relationship from everyone she cares about.
And when the success of Richard’s latest book launches him to a new level of fame where all anonymity is lost, she realises she might just be in too deep…
[ My Review ]
Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams published July 3rd with Orion and is described as ‘a thought-provoking exploration of a relationship founded in power, control and silence…perfect for book clubs’.
In this very confident debut Hattie Williams takes us behind-the-scenes into a small indie London publishing house. Having dreamt of a job in publishing since her teenage years Charlie is delighted when, two years after college, she lands the role of publishing assistant at Winden & Shane. Charlie has had a difficult few years, following the death of her beloved mother, battling with her mental health. Her college years were a blur as she suffered some setbacks but now she feels she has finally landed on her feet.
Cecile, her boss, had let it be known during the interview that one of the authors she would be working with was famed writer Richard Aveling on the publication of his upcoming novel. Charlie has been a fan of his work all her life and to land this role was a serious fan-girl moment. She accidentally bumps into Richard Aveling while having a between meeting smoke and she is incredulous that this could even happen but what happens next is beyond her wildest dreams.
When she secretly begins an affair with Richard Aveling, her friends are confounded with her behaviour, and the highs and lows she seems to be experiencing. He is a married man in his fifties with an established career and a solid public reputation. From the outset Charlie is very much aware that she can never obviously be in company with him. Initially she is content to play this game but her passion for him is all-consuming and she soon loses herself to him completely. The secrecy of the affair plays havoc with her mental health but she is unable to stop herself meeting up with him.
As time passes Charlie is distracted, unwell, unfocussed and her dream of a successful publishing career begins to slip away from her as she becomes completely absorbed into the world of Richard Aveling and his rules of engagement. To the detriment of her well-being, Charlie is sucked into a world that she is not mature enough to cope with. Her friends are, rightly, extremely concerned, but their hands are tied.
Hattie Williams’ exploration of the dynamic in this skewed relationship is extremely sad, and frustrating, to witness. Charlie clearly craves love. She craves attention. Her confidence is low and, slowly, as the chapters unfold, it dips even further. Here is a young women, vulnerable and exposed, clearly being taken advantage of by a much older man. Her weakness is obvious as he swoops in, moulding her to his wants and needs.
Unsettling, yet compelling, it reminded me slightly of My Dark Vanessa, although not quite as dark (if you have read both you will know what I mean). A seriously impressive debut, Bitter Sweet is a very provocative and demanding tale, a tender insight into young heartbreak and the damage of coercive behaviour.
[Thank you to Hachette Ireland for a copy of Bitter Sweet in exchange for my honest review ]
[ Bio ]
Hattie Williams left education in her teens to pursue a career as a musician. She has toured Europe extensively, made three studio albums, and worked as a composer with her tracks still regularly featured on TV and streaming services across the world.
In her mid-twenties she found herself working in publishing quite by accident, and an admin temping job turned into a twelve-year career in which she worked with some of the biggest authors in the world. Hattie lives in east London.
Bitter Sweet is her debut novel.
This is very much on my radar. Great review!
Thanks Nicola. I’d say it’s one that will grab you x