50 pages 1 hour read

Stephanie Danler

Sweetbitter

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler is a coming-of-age story centered on Tess, a 22-year-old who moves to New York City and lands a job at an elite restaurant. As she navigates the fast-paced and often challenging world of fine dining, she is mentored by the enigmatic server Simone and becomes romantically involved with the mysterious bartender Jake. Tess grapples with personal and professional growth, discovering the complexities of relationships and her own desires. This book includes themes of drug abuse, sex, violence, and mental health.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stephanie Danler's Sweetbitter captures the raw, intoxicating experience of New York City restaurant life through the eyes of a young protagonist. Praised for its lush prose and vivid sensory detail, the novel's charm is occasionally undercut by a meandering plot and a somewhat unsympathetic main character. Overall, it's a compelling debut with a strong sense of place.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sweetbitter?

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler is perfect for readers who thrive on character-driven narratives set in bustling cityscapes, with a sharp focus on the complexities of young adulthood and the service industry. Fans of Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt will find much to savor.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Food

Genre

Romance

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Identity: Sexuality

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Identity: Mental Health