Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

by Jamie Ford
Hennepin County Library paperback 285 pages
genre: historical fiction

Alternating between 1942 and 1986, we learn about Chinese American Henry and his life in Seattle during the evacuation of Japanese Americans to internment camps. Henry has befriended Keiko, although his father is super-nationalistic and perceives all Japanese as the enemy. In the 1980s, Henry is recently widowed and trying to be a different father to his son Marty than his own father was for him. Communication is tough!

This was a beautiful book, full of lovely and interesting characters. Black saxophonist Sydney and tough cook Mrs. Beatty were both integral to Henry's story. The relationship between him and Keiko developed so beautifully and innocently . . . his father's treachery broke my heart. The jazz music scene was also painted well. Wonderful story!