50 pages • 1 hour read
Stephanie DanlerSweetbitter
Fiction | Novel | Adult | 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
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
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Food
Romance
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Modern Classic Fiction
Identity: Sexuality
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Identity: Mental Health