Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I had high hopes for this story; however, I just didn't find that connection I was looking for in any of the characters. The story itself is well-developed, but the disgust that Annie and even the mother had for Thelma, Abie and Louis made it difficult to enjoy the story.

Because the story was so well-developed, I would certainly check out future books by this author.

I struggled with this book a bit - at first I felt sorry for Thelma because even as a baby she had no one to love her and take care of her. Her mother and her sister were outwardly hostile and cruel to her. Her brothers cared for her, but they weren't around much. As Thelma got older and became an adult I wanted her to stop letting her past dictate her future, but she seemed to be stuck in this mode of letting others decide her future and choosing to be unhappy (granted she did have a lot of awful things happen in her life). It was hard to really connect with any of the characters. I did like the time period and the inclusion of the mob - it gave the story a bit of excitement.

This book was a very difficult and different read for me. It is a very sad and emotional journey for a family filled with hatred, love and resentment. At times I almost didn’t want to finish this book due to the sadness of this book. I wouldn’t recommend or tell someone not to read this book because it is in a category of its own. Thank you netgalley for letting me give an honest review of this book.

I loved the time frame and the author did a really good job with character development but I really struggled with liking the characters of this family. There was such dislike and outright hate displayed for Thelma and her brothers by her Mother and older sister that I had a hard time enjoying the book.

Set at the turn of the century in the gangster run era of the 20s. The book was an exploration of familial bonds. It is fascinating to see the ways that the neglectful and abusive hard childhoods of these children impacted them each in different ways.

What to say about this story, it certainly packs a wallop! It had everything you want in a great book. Complicated characters that you like or disliked a lot. A dysfunctional family like none you’ve ever encountered, with nothing to give to each other. Certainly love was missing, with Thelma growing up, begging for affection from her mother and sister Annie. Annie, a horrible person, committing her own brothers to an orphanage, and withholding any affection from her baby sister, running the family like inmates.
It is a page turner, with the hope that this has a happy ending for all. No spoilers here, but if you can get through the tragedy, heartache and the violence that the mob brought to Brooklyn, this broken family that exists on the fringes of despair, you may find a semblance of hope in the remains.
I received this ARC from Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. I hope my review does this powerful novel justice and kudos to Thelma Adams.

BITTERSWEET BROOKLYN takes the reader into the heart of gangster-controlled New York during the 1920s and ‘30s, in this fully absorbing tale about Thelma Lorber, a woman thrust into mobster life through her beloved older brother’s involvement. She’s faced with the ultimate struggle when he commits murder. As a widow with a young son, she has much on the line in this engaging novel that exposes the impact of mob violence on women. Immerses you in this tragic family’s life over decades, shown through the eyes of a truly gutsy woman. I agree with best-selling author Sally Koslow, who says, “You’ll race through this raucous historical saga, admiring its gritty detail and street-smart dialogue. Inspired by real events, Thelma Adams brings to life an unforgettable family ruled by filial love divided by biting dysfunction.” 5/5

Thanks to the author for inviting me to do this review, which was so much fun! I also thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.

#BittersweetBrooklyn #NetGalley

This was one amazingly detailed novel! The setting is Brooklyn, New York in the 1920's and 1930"s.
Families were struggling during this time.
Thelma is a young Jewish girl who lives in a poor dysfunctional family. She craves attention and love.
Her brother Abie understands his sister, but he is not around much. Abie is taking care of "business" to survive.
Thelma continues at all costs, to look for that affection as a young girl and then as she grows up. Will she be able to find a life of happiness? How far will she go to help her brother when he needs her?
This story is tough to read at times, but definitely intriguing.
This was not a good time in America and people did whatever they had to do to survive and sometimes they did not make it.
Well done! I felt as though I was transported back in time and felt the panic of Thelma and so many others.