Content Warning: This guide contains discussion of drug abuse, sex, violence, and mental-health stigmatizations.

Sweetbitter is a coming-of-age story. It is a classic tale of young woman moving to the big city in search of love and adventure. The novel traces Tess’s first four seasons in New York City as she forms an identity that brings her closer to adulthood.

When Tess moves to New York City at age 22, she doesn’t have specific goals or ambitions. She is therefore full of endless potential because she is free to do anything she wants. Her lack of responsibility makes her life all about her pleasures and passions, but she is malleable because she doesn’t know who she is yet. Tess is easily influenced by Simone because in Simone, she sees a glamorous role model. Tess discovers certain layers of herself thanks to Simone. Simone teaches Tess about the palate, fine dining, delicacies, and wine. Tess takes these little lessons with Simone very seriously not only because she craves Simone’s approval but also because learning how to truly experience taste opens up Tess’s world. She discovers that there can be great pleasure in small things.