The exquisite, intoxicating and compulsive debut novel from Hattie Williams, exploring the affair between a young publicist and a much older, celebrated author. A thought-provoking exploration of power, control and grief, Bitter Sweet is perfect for book clubs and will appeal to fans of Sally Rooney and Coco Mellors.

'I inhaled this novel. Utterly believable, immersive and heartfelt. I loved it' JENNIE GODFREY

'Hattie's writing on early-20s friendships and their enmeshed intensity, was so convincing. I enjoyed it so much' MARIAN KEYES

'A timeless tragedy, a story of the intricacies and illusions of true love' CHRIS WHITAKER

'Beautifully crafted, with aftershocks of conscience' JODI PICOULT

'Sharp, compelling, and thought provoking. The perfect book club pick for 2025' LOUISE O'NEILL

'In my life, there are things that have happened to me, and things that I have done, that have proven to be moments that have a clear before and an after. One of those moments, perhaps in some ways the biggest, was the day that I met Richard Aveling for the first time.'

Charlie is twenty-three, single and the new publicity assistant at the independent London publishing house Winden & Shane. Richard Aveling is fifty-six, married and the author that has defined his generation.

Charlie has long idolised the charming, illustrious writer, who also represents a link to her late mother, who loved his work. But as they embark on an illicit and all-consuming affair, Charlie is forced to hide the relationship from everyone she cares about.

And when the success of Richard's latest book launches him to a new level of fame where all anonymity is lost, she realises she might just be in too deep...

A thought-provoking exploration of a relationship founded in power, control and silence, Bitter Sweet is perfect for book clubs and will appeal to fans of Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason and Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors.