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EVERY
BITTER THING SWEET
Roslyn Carrington Kensington September 2001 (4+) Nathasha Brooks-Harris |
Mainstream Fiction |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
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| As Rory and Odile, childhood friends who were separated by a tragic event which changed their lives forever, lead separate lives, they realize that they are forever linked by the events of their past and when they finally confront each other, they find what they have searching for--forgiveness, redemption, solace, and strength. | |
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REVIEW: |
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EVERY BITTER THING SWEET is the long-awaited
sequel to Roslyn Carrington’s critically acclaimed tome, A
THIRST FOR RAIN. When that book ended, clearly readers had read the work
of a richly-gifted novelist and they wanted more. They knew it would be good,
but they had no idea how good. Carrington contains the story
of Rory and Odile, the two childhood friends who were drawn together and pulled
apart by a certain act of rage. Now, four years later, they are both living
their lives separately. However, the love they felt years earlier still exists
in the deepest recesses of their souls. Rory and Odile fight their
own demons in their quest to find themselves. Before they can move ahead with
their lives, they must put their baggage and issues to rest. Odile feels that
she doesn’t need a college education or a rich man to be successful in life.
Rory turns his back on his bulky physique and powerful boxing prowess and
retreats into himself. However, he later pays attention to the longing in his
heart. EVERY BITTER
THING SWEET is a wonderful novel crafted in
the finest literary tradition. Carrington’s characters are three-dimensional
and richly drawn and they seem like real people because of the realism with
which they were written. Perhaps the best character is Miss Ling, the old
Chinese woman who owns the local whorehouse/watering hole.
Outside, she’s mean and crusty, but Carrington allows her true
personality to be systematically revealed to the readers. She shows Miss Ling as
more than just a cantankerous, unhappy person. In terms of setting,
Carrington allows readers to fully experience the sights and sounds of her
native Trinidad through these characters’ eyes. Her writing is layered using
each of the five senses and takes readers there. EVERY
BITTER THING SWEET is a powerful novel that’s sure to keep readers up
nights. It’s a definite page turner that will sweep readers into a world of
secrets, sex, intrigue and an overall great story. When you read this book,
please drop Carrington an e-mail or letter to let her know how much how much you
enjoyed it. Surely, it would make her day to know that she has a legion of
American fans enjoying her work stateside. Keep listening because you’re sure to hear her name among literary circles and you can say you heard it here at ROMANCE IN COLOR first! |
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nathasha@romanceincolor.net (16th October 2001) |
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