The Bitter Kind

A Flash Novelette

By: Tara Lynn Masih, James Claffey

Narrated by: Siiri Scott

Length: 1 hr and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

In this spare novelette, acclaimed flash-fiction writers James Claffey and Tara Lynn Masih collaboratively create an original tale of loss and love, as The Bitter Kind deftly alternates between Stela, the daughter of a ship’s captain, burdened by her family secrets, and Brandy, a Chippewa orphan, haunted by ghost wolves and spirits. 

The authors cross genres and borders between historical and contemporary, speculative and realistic, presenting two unforgettable characters on a journey toward their inevitable, fateful destination. 

©2020 Tara Lynn Masih and James Claffey (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

EXCELLENT!

In my opinion, this audiobook was excellent. Normally, I am a little put off when I see a book is under two hours long. But as far as I know, I've never read a flash novelette and I am so happy I did. This book was beautifully written. It was so descriptive and beautifully written. I was so ready for more....and then it was over. And I wanted more! (lol). Anyways, this was such a great book and I definitely recommend. (Unless your bothered/triggered by some abuse type stuff. I didn't think it was too much or anything. Also, The narrator did an amazing job. I would listen to another book narrated by her any day!
~And thank you Tara and Blackstone Audio the ARC. It was a great experience and I would review for you any time. I was given this ARC at my request. I am providing a voluntary and honest review.!!

A Stunning and Mesmerizing Must-Listen!

The artistic beauty portrayed with the collaboration of authors Tara Lynn Masih and James Claffey is magical. Ms. Masih writes the male voice and Mr. Claffey, the female voice. Unsurprisingly, neither misses a beat in their supreme interpretations, and proving that the dilemmas of both sexes is as timeless as man has been on earth.

This is a wondrous piece of work (which I have already listened to 2X straight through) and one which I will revisit over and over. The talent and originality displayed in 'The Bitter Kind' is truly a joy for listeners to behold. Narrator, Siiri Scott is exceptional in voicing each and every one of the characters encountered, and made this little gem of a book a listening utopia!

Special thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing a free download on audible - the generosity is MUCH appreciated!!!

Kudos to all!

What a gem!

5 stars

I was attracted to The Bitter Kind by three factors. Firstly, I read Ms. Masih’s My Real Name is Hanna a couple of years ago and was very impressed by the prose and the depth of her debut novel. Secondly, this work is labeled as “A Flash Novelette”, which intrigued me. Furthermore, this story has some ghostliness to it. I am not normally drawn to ghost stories, but I do like to step out of my comfort zone now and then, and the blurb just felt right for me. Happily, I really enjoyed this novella. I combined the audio with a paperback copy, which proved to be a wonderful way to read this one.

The novelette is written by two authors and features two protagonists. Ms. Masih tells the story of a Chippewa orphan named Brandy; and Mr. Claffey takes on the tale of Stela, the daughter of an abusive ship Captain. The writing styles of the two authors blend together in an amazing fashion. Furthermore, both write sublimely. Without being stilted or flowery, the prose is gorgeous and the imagery is masterful. I was also impressed by the depth of characterization despite the brevity of the piece.

Basically, we follow Stela and Brandy for 4 decades (1942-1982). Their separate stories are presented in alternating vignette fashion. Both characters are good people yet have suffered throughout their lives. There is loss, abuse, the sense of not belonging, betrayal, and loneliness. Both Stela and Brandy do their very best with what they are given to carve out decent lives, yet they are both compelled to keep searching for true happiness. Brandy finds some comfort in his ghosts. Stela leans on her music.

Though this is a beautiful novelette, I would have loved to have this story in the form of a full-length saga. I think there is enough to both Brandy and Stela to pull off a 400-page book. Alas, that was not the chosen option. Despite that, I highly recommend this lyrical double character study to all readers looking for a quick yet moving read.

Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing an audio copy for me. Opinions stated are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

Beautifully written, performed, and produced.

The Bitter Kind by Tara Lynn Masih and James Claffey is an interesting look at two people’s lives as they encounter experiences both good and challenging over a multi-year period of time. The characters face difficulties that are relatable and realistic. Beautifully read in the audio version, The Bitter Kind reveals many elements of humanity in the way the characters respond to and internalize what is happening to them in their lives. The authors capture the experience of both characters’ lives with honesty and candor so that the reader can see and feel with the characters each step of the way. A very enjoyable flash fiction story, The Bitter Kind is skillfully written, planned, and edited. The Bitter Kind will make the reader pause and reflect on their own life and how they are responding to the circumstances unfolding around them.

Many thanks to Blackstone Audio for the free copy of this thought-provoking and excellent work.

Beautiful written novelette

“The Bitter Kind” is advertised as a flash novelette, written by Tara Lynn Masih and James Claffey. Masih give voice to an orphaned Chippewa child named Brandy; Claffey tells the tale of Stela, the daughter of an abusive ship Captain. The stories are unfolded in brief chapters which take place in the span of 1942-1982. Both Brandy and Stela have been treated harshly, yet both want to be good. They want to live good lives.

Haunting and lyrical, it’s beautiful. I listened to the audio, narrated by Siri Scott. It’s a quick listen.