I recently read this amazing and, yes, bittersweet novel by Jamie Ford called “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet“. The story goes back and forth between 1942 and 1986. It takes places in Seattle after Japan attacks Pearl Harbour and when the US collects all US Japanese citizens and places them into internment camps. In 1986, Henry finds himself back at the Panama Hotel, where he discovers that in the basement of hotel remains the belongings of many of the Japanese families that were forced into internment camps. This triggers memories of a once lost love.

The story begins with Henry recounting how his wife died and how he is sort of estranged from his son. Henry goes back and forth between 1942 and 1986 to recount his upbringing and a love story, between himself, a Chinese immigrant and a beautiful Japanese American girl named Keiko. It’s interesting to see how a current and past love bring the Henry and his son closer together.

What I find remarkable is how not only does the the author, Jamie Ford, immerse the reader into 1942 Seattle, but how he leaves you feeling like you are part of it. While I was reading it, I felt like I was watching Henry’s story, rather then reading it. I felt like I was there with him. I’m such a romantic at heart and I loved how “love” transcended race and prejudices. To Henry Keiko wasn’t Japanese, she was just a pretty girl. At first he was terrified of what others would think, especially his family, but by the end he didn’t care. He loved Keiko.

This is much more than a love story. It’s about overcoming prejudices and loving a person for who they are. One of my favourite quotes from the book comes from Keiko when she explains to Henry why her parents like him: ” …they don’t define you by the button you wear (Henry’s parents made him wear a button that said “I am Chinese” so that he wasn’t mistaken for being Japanese). They define you by what you do, by what your actions say about you… They don’t see you as the enemy. They see you as a person“(p.227). Such poignant, honest, real words from a young lady. I wish we could just all see one another as people and not define each other by gender, race, sexual orientation or religion!!!! Why does someone have to defined as a Jew, for example??? Why can’t they be seen as the person they are, instead of their race and religion.

I cried at the end of this book, because it is a bittersweet tale of love and of not letting convention define you. We are more than our race, gender, religion and sexual orientation. WE ARE ALL PEOPLE!!!!!!! This book also gave me a great history lesson.

May this blog inspire you to purchase this book. It’s a quick read and will leave your heart full of hope and happiness.

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Happy Monday Everyone!!!!!!