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Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet summary
Brief summary
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford tells the story of a Chinese-American boy and a Japanese-American girl who form a forbidden friendship during the internment of Japanese Americans in the 1940s.
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Table of Contents
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Summary of key ideas
The Foundation of Friendship
In Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, we are introduced to the main character, Henry Lee, a Chinese-American man in his fifties. The story begins in 1986 when the Panama Hotel, a historical landmark in Seattle, is being restored. This event triggers a series of memories for Henry, transporting him back to 1942, to a time when he was a twelve-year-old boy living in Seattle during World War II.
Henry's life takes a significant turn when he meets Keiko Okabe, a Japanese-American girl at his school. As the two bond over their shared love for jazz, they form an unlikely friendship that blossoms despite the racial tensions of the time. Their bond becomes even more poignant when Keiko and her family are sent to internment camps for Japanese-Americans, leaving Henry heartbroken and alone.
Love and Loyalty Tested
As the war rages on, Henry and Keiko's friendship is tested by the prejudices and fears of their families and communities. Henry's father, a staunch patriot, is vehemently against their friendship, while Keiko's family, especially her father, disapproves of her association with a non-Japanese boy.
Despite these challenges, Henry remains loyal to Keiko, even going as far as to visit her at the internment camp. However, his visits become infrequent due to his father's disapproval and the increasing hostility towards Japanese-Americans. In the meantime, Keiko's strength and resilience in the face of adversity inspire Henry to confront his own identity and the prejudices within his own community.
Lost and Found
Back in 1986, the restoration of the Panama Hotel unearths a collection of belongings left behind by Japanese-American families during the internment. Henry believes that among these items is a special gift he gave to Keiko, a record of her favorite jazz musician. Determined to find the record as a way of reconnecting with his past, Henry embarks on a journey of self-discovery, revisiting his memories of Keiko and reflecting on the choices he made.
As Henry sifts through the belongings, he comes across a parasol. This discovery triggers a flood of emotions, and Henry is reminded of the bittersweet nature of his relationship with Keiko. The parasol symbolizes the sheltered world they shared, which was overshadowed by the bitter realities of war and racial discrimination.
Reconciliation and Closure
In the final chapters of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Henry's son, Marty, learns about his father's past and the sacrifices Henry made for his family. This revelation helps mend the strained relationship between father and son, as Henry's experiences during the war shed light on his strict parenting style and his efforts to assimilate Marty into American culture.
The novel concludes with an emotional visit to the internment camp site, where Henry and Marty pay their respects to Keiko and her family. Here, Henry finally finds closure and a sense of peace, as he realizes the depth of his love for Keiko and the enduring impact of their brief but powerful friendship.
Final Reflections
In conclusion, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a poignant story that explores themes of love, friendship, and the enduring impact of war and racial discrimination. Henry and Keiko's relationship serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The novel leaves us with a sense of hope and the understanding that, despite the bitter realities of life, there is always a touch of sweetness to be found.
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What is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet about?
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a historical fiction novel by Jamie Ford. Set in Seattle during World War II, the story follows the unlikely friendship between a Chinese-American boy, Henry, and a Japanese-American girl, Keiko. As their families face the hardships of wartime discrimination and internment, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Review
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (2009) tells a poignant tale of love and friendship during a time of war and prejudice. Here's why this book is worth adding to your reading list:
- Explores the complexity of human relationships amidst historical events, offering a unique perspective on love, loss, and loyalty.
- Sheds light on the impact of cultural differences and social injustices, resonating with modern-day struggles for equality and understanding.
- Keeps readers engaged with its dual timeline narrative that seamlessly weaves together past and present, ensuring the story is far from dull.
Who should read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction set during World War II
Those interested in exploring themes of love, friendship, and racial prejudice
People who appreciate stories that offer a unique perspective on significant historical events
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Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet FAQs
What is the main message of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet?
The main message is about love, loss, and the enduring bonds that connect people across generations.
How long does it take to read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet?
The estimated reading time varies but typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet a good book? Is it worth reading?
Hotel on the Corner is a poignant tale of friendship and family, highlighting the impact of historical events. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet?
The author of Hotel on the Corner is Jamie Ford.
What to read after Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet?
If you're wondering what to read next after Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz