45 pages • 1 hour read
Tara SullivanThe Bitter Side of Sweet
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Bitter Side of Sweet, fifteen-year-old Amadou and his eight-year-old brother, Seydou, endure harrowing conditions on a cacao plantation in Ivory Coast. Their lives change when Khadija, a rebellious girl, arrives and they band together to escape. Their journey ultimately leads them to Khadija's journalist mother, who exposes the child slavery in the cacao industry, and they begin to rebuild their lives. The book contains scenes depicting violence and assault.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tara Sullivan's The Bitter Side of Sweet has been well-received for its compelling and eye-opening narrative about child labor in West African cocoa plantations. Readers praise its emotional depth and well-drawn characters, particularly the strength and resilience of the protagonists. Some critiques mention a predictable plot and a somewhat didactic tone, but overall, the novel's genuine portrayal of an important issue resonates deeply.
Who Should Read The Bitter Side of Sweet?
Readers who are captivated by Sold by Patricia McCormick or Iqbal by Francesco D’Adamo will appreciate The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan. Ideal for those interested in social justice, child labor, and gripping, emotional narratives set in international contexts. Suitable for mature middle-grade to young adult audiences.