Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Written by Jamie Ford

A book for adult readers reviewed by Sarah

    

In Jamie Ford's immersive novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, a Chinese man named Henry Lee reflects on his childhood growing up during World War II. During this time, Japanese people in America were being sent to internment camps across the country. Henry's memories are sparked by the uncovering of hundreds of items hidden in the basement of the Panama Hotel that belonged to Japanese families. Not only do we fully experience America's racial climate and the treatment of minorities during the 1940s, but we are able to reflect on how our country has drastically improved throughout the decades. The novel also deeply explores Henry's relationships with his stoic, nationalistic parents, his childhood love Keiko (whose family was sent to an internment camp), and his future son Marty, who just wants to understand his father and his past.

I personally love this book for its realistic and relatable portrayal of the interpersonal relationships we maintain in our everyday lives, especially our familial ties. This book teaches us that family is not limited to the people connected to us by blood. Regardless of social upbringing, family, or race, family can be found in anyone who helps us understand that we are not alone in the world.