Official Review: Bittersweet by Lloyd R Free

[MrsCatInTheHat]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bittersweet" by Lloyd R Free.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Lloyd R. Free’s Bittersweet takes readers on a journey back to the early 1960s, to a world on the cusp of war. Two friends, Max and Renny, are frustrated with the political scene in the United States. After getting caught up in a campus riot, they decide to head to France for a change of pace. They enroll in a school in Dijon but spend much time in Paris as well. School is different in Dijon, with no requirements to attend class, free meals, and plenty of time for hanging out with friends. Paris is busier with many new experiences, from cultural to the way people live. They watch Paris change during their time there, with the country having its own political battles.

Max grew up with a mother who graduated from Stanford yet favored life with mobsters in Vegas. He is vibrant and full of life, always wanting to be on the go. Renny is moodier, yet more contemplative about life, often absorbed in poetry and thought-provoking books. The young men explore love, friendships with other young people from around the world, and life. Which one of these men deals with unrequited love in a heartbreaking way, making the title come to life? And which experiences luxury in unexpected ways? Watch how their experiences contrast each other’s in somewhat surprising ways.

Free’s incredible imagery is prominent throughout the novel. One can vividly “see” what is happening as if they were there. For example, he describes a ride in Renny’s car as, “It was a warm, spring afternoon and the balmy air flowed over the windshield and down on their heads in soft caresses. Renny’s Edgar Allen Poe hairdo waved wildly as the breeze passed through his long curls.” One can also often feel the emotions of the characters.

The character development of the main characters and many of the side characters is outstanding. Renny’s dependency on others is often demonstrated in the story. Early on, he is unsure of himself when Max is off experiencing the local culture or with Fiona. Later, his dependency changes, and he does more on his own but is often unsure of his decisions. He is often melancholy, which makes him uninterested in life at times. Many supporting characters are given unexpected depth. Rolfe is a good friend to Renny, often giving him a hand in matters of the heart. He makes him join the living. He is someone that we all want as a “best friend,” especially since he pays for the wine.

Politics is a significant background theme as the story unfolds. It is often talked about among the group but primarily as it relates to them from a distance. With the increasing conflicts between France and Algeria, it is engaging to see how the author intertwines the riots in Paris with the characters’ ongoing storylines.

The story is written in the third person, going back and forth between different sub-stories. The story starts in the San Francisco area but takes place primarily in Dijon and Paris, where the author spent time when he was younger. French life is enhanced by the author’s own experiences. One of my favorite parts, although not significant to the story, is when Max tries snails for the first time. I could just imagine the taste in my mouth.

I rate Bittersweet 4 out of 4 stars. It is professionally edited, thought-provoking, and was impossible to put down. The only thing to dislike at times was some of the explicit sex, but it did not detract from the story to make it worthy of less than four stars. There is also some moderate profanity. Readers who love historical fiction, especially from the mid-20th century, as well as those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, will find this novel fascinating.

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Bittersweet
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[Gathoni1991]

Seems like a good read. I definitely won't mind erotic scenes as they usually spice up a story.

[Gathoni1991]

Politics, drama, romance are sure ingredients to a great story. A must read.

[kandscreeley]

The erotic content is a detractor for me. However, the story line does sound interesting. I'm very curious about Paris and would love to visit there one day. This college sounds a bit different from what most of us have experienced and heard about. All in all, it sounds like a unique book. Thanks.

[Prisallen]

This certainly sounds like a fascinating book and, since I love historical fictions as well as Paris, I will have to take a look at this story. Thank you for a wonderful review!

[Bianka Walter]

“It was a warm, spring afternoon and the balmy air flowed over the windshield and down on their heads in soft caresses. Renny’s Edgar Allen Poe hairdo waved wildly as the breeze passed through his long curls.”

This is lovely. Sounds like the author has a way with words
Loved your review.

[kdstrack]

It's interesting that the young men went from campus riots in the U.S. to riots in Paris! The excellent descriptive language and character development are strong draws for this book. Thanks for the excellent recommendation.

[Bluebird03]

So now I'm wanting to know who experienced the bittersweet heartbreak and who enjoyed the luxuries. You did a great job of piquing my interest in this story. Thank you for your recommendation and your very engaging review!

[SpiritPhoenix]

Character developments and minimal editing issues are things that top my criteria list when it comes to enjoying a book. Besides that, the whole premise seems really interesting. Definitely adding it to my tbr. Thank you.

[Dee_218]

Sounds like a great mix of a real-life narrative. Politics and drama exist everywhere whilst individuals go on with the pursuits of their hearts. I can relate to both characters as they each exhibit some of my personalities. Thank you for an insightful review.

[Nalence]

This sounds so interesting. A book I would read definitely. Loved your review.

[Smrithy]

The book seems interesting as I am a lover of imageries and description. Precise review, by the way.

[bookowlie]

Thanks for another insightful review! I like novels with a strong setting and well-developed characters, and this one seems to fit the bill. The erotic content is a bit of a turn-off, but I like that you mentioned it's not overdone. Off to take a look at the sample on Amazon!