Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

March's title was Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, written by Jamie Ford. The story is set over two periods, firstly during WWII and then in the 1980s. Our hero is Henry, a young Chinese American boy who befriends a Japanese American girl called Keiko. Unfortunately, this friendship starts during a time of deep suspicion of the Japanese in the USA, since the bombing of Pearl Harbour. Keiko and her family are eventually interned - a part of WWII history which was new to many in the reading group. We fast forward some forty years to find out what happened to Henry and Keiko. 

The historical setting looking at the Japanese internment was probably the most fascinating part of the story, possibly because in the UK we focus on what was happening closer to home in Europe and the day to day impact of war in the USA feels more remote. 

Henry has a tense relationship with his father, and his relationship with his son isn't much better.As an observer, you can see why Henry's father behaves the way he does - he wants his son to do well in the USA, but at the same time there is a conflict as his parents hold onto their heritage in China. We talked about two people living together and not speaking to one another, and how difficult life must have been in such an environment. Then history repeats itself with Henry and his son, who also struggle to communicate effectively, until a girlfriend comes along and changes the dynamic between Henry and his son. Keiko's family on the other hand come across as far more accepting of their American life and their situation. 

Most people enjoyed the story, although a few commented that they were getting a bit tired of the 'set over two periods' formula that is commonplace in contemporary literature. It was an easy to read book, although some parts of the story required the reader not to question too deeply the reality of events actually happening (Henry moving in and out of the internment camps, the all too convenient relationship with the school's cook and her philanthropic misdemeanors). All in all, a good read introducing a lesser-known part of history for us. 

Other books that we discussed: 

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beacher Stowe
Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey
Black Mischief by Evelyn Waugh

Next time:
Bodies of Light by Sarah Moss
13th May 2015