Sophia C. reviewed on 12/31/2010 + 289 more book reviews

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is an enchanting debut work of historical fiction which touches on the themes of Asian-American identity, intergenerational differences, and the Japanese internment during World War II. Henry Lee is a middle-aged recent widower who stumbles upon a press conference announcing the discovery of the belongings of Japanese internees during a renovation of the Panama Hotel (a real landmark in Seattle) in 1986. This sets up a series of flashbacks to 1942, when twelve-year-old Henry develops a deep friendship with Keiko, a fellow Japanese student on cafeteria duty at his otherwise all-white prep school. The story centers on their relationship through paternal disapproval on Henrys side, anti-Asian racism, and ultimately separation as Keikos family is relocated to the camp at Minidoka, Idaho. Hotels strengths include poignantly portraying Seattles Asian ethnic enclaves, sympathetic characters, andtrue to forma bittersweet resolution. However, some of Jamie Fords (a descendant of a 19th century Chinese miner-immigrant who took on a new name) Cantonese translations lack nuance. The relationship between the fathers and sons could have had more flair. Nonetheless, this was a pleasant read.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details