Every Bitter Thing Sweet

In her vivid depiction of Port of Spain, Trinidad, Roslyn Carrington again lures her readers into the lives of Rory and Odile, Myra and Jacob (all part of the cast from A Thirst for Rain), while introducing other satisfying characters. Afraid of both becoming her mother and in failing if she tries to be different, Odile must learn to face the demons that haunt her--namely, herself. Trying to be a man, yet fearing his own strength and potential violence, Rory also must confront who he really is and dare to embrace the desires of his heart. Rich, colorful, melancholy, and victorious, Carrington's lyric prose again heralds the triumph of the human spririt.

Another wonderful book by Roslyn Carrington. "Every bitter thing sweet" gives such a good idea of what 'normal' life in Trinidad is and it's very interesting to see how the lifes of Rory and Odile have changed in relation to "A thirst for rain".

This was my first experience with Roslyn Carrington, but it won't be my last!"Every Bitter Thing" is a wonderful story full of color, emotion and richness. I was very impressed with Carrington's grasp of the human condition and her ability to convey such through her main characters. Her wisdom is that of one much older than herself. The hero and heroine are very believable and Carrington does a good job of connecting the past and the present. I particularly like that each character's traits and personality are defined in relation to their pasts and as a result of their upbringings. There is much insight in this work.Her writing style evokes not only emotion, but allows the reader to feel, hear and almost smell the surroundings. Having spent much time in the Carribean myself, reading her descriptions (particularly) of the seedier side of a downtown Caribbean port city, brought back many memories.It's been a long time since I read a novel that kept me as captivated. I actually found myself 'making time' to read this one. I like that feeling! I will now go back and read her previous work but certainly hope that Roslyn Carrington is an author that we are going to be hearing from for a very long time!

Every Bitter Thing Sweet is a journey into how the past can either inspire you or limit your future. Identities are questioned, futures are planned as each characters' story is told. Resonating throughout is how the human spirit becomes our strength; strength in knowledge and strength in character.Every Bitter Thing Sweet continues four years later where A Thirst for Rain left off. Main characters Odile and Rory were childhood friends until a tragedy occurred. Now, four years later, they come in contact with each other carrying the scars of the past. Their worlds are entangled and how they navigate through is the premise of this story. Odile wrestles with her independence and is determined not to have a man label who she is or what her future will be. Rory, described as a mammoth, struggles with his own demons vowing not to become an abusive man like his father. We also meet the parents, grandparent, sibling and significant others of the main characters. By examining their stories and histories we are able to understand the complex nature of Odile and Rory. When the story ended I found myself hoping that Odile and Rory would find peace and happiness in their future; they deserved itThe energy in this tale comes from the author's depiction of native life in Trinidad. You feel Trinidad and all of its offerings from the people, food, trees, streets, waters and buildings. The reader has the opportunity to visualize the tourist sections, the suburban areas and the bustling city life of Trinidad. Roslyn Carrington's play on words is fascinating which in my book makes her a great storyteller!Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves

Reading Everything Bitter Thing Sweet was a lot like eating a delicious chocolate mousse. Wanting to savor it's richness, I had to restrain myself from rushing as the fast-paced plot pulled me in.Thank you, Ms. Carrington, for following up on the life of my very favorite character, Rory, from Thirst for Rain. When I finished that book I cared for him like he was my own son and was so happy to see you must have too. He is a wonderfully noble fellow and did not deserve to have one impulsive act of rage ruin his life. In EBTS he becomes everything I knew he was.And, Odile, a strong and beautiful woman, really comes into her own and becomes "somebody." Didn't think it could get better than A Thirst for Rain, but I enjoyed this book so much I am leaving it bedside my bed for a second read in a few months. Kinda like licking the spoon and bowl.