My newest favorite book is “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford.
The cover
illustration of Ford’s debut novel was what initially intrigued me. Once I began reading the story of Henry, a
young Chinese American growing up in Seattle
at the height of World War II, I knew this would be a heartwarming, sentimental
journey.
Henry falls in
love with Keiko, a Japanese American, when they are school mates and thus
begins a story of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and honor. Told in a poignant manner, the book follows
Henry’s difficult relationship with his father, as well as his relationship
with his first love, and then that of his own son. It also follows characters through the internment camps in the United States.
 |
| A picture of a sign over the door of Japanese-American business placed there the day after Pearl Harbor. |
The development
of “Hotel” is extremely well done, and one can’t help but be touched as Henry’s
story is told. This book, although a work
of fiction, is believable and thought provoking (I think it would make an
excellent book club choice and we have this set as a kit). Even though it is told from the perspective
of years ago, it still is relevant to the world of today.
I am grateful to
have been able to read this wonderful book and was personally touched by
Henry’s tender story. Ford seems to
truly have a gift for touching the reader’s heart in a powerful way. If you read this book and love it, then
consider some of the read-alikes such as:
·
SnowFalling on Cedars by David Guterson
·
SuchSweet Thunder by Vincent Carter
·
Whenthe Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka
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