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Jamie Ford - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Swe

Supergorod  ❘ Freeware

A Heartfelt Journey Through History and Memory

Pete Milner

Jamie Ford's 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' weaves a poignant tale of love, loss, and cultural identity against the backdrop of World War II-era internment camps, captivating readers with its emotional depth and historical insight.
2025 Editor's Choice
Ford's strained debut concerns Henry Lee, a Chinese-American in Seattle who, in 1986, has just lost his wife to cancer. After Henry hears that the belongings of Japanese immigrants interned during WWII have been found in the basement of the Panama Hotel, the narrative shuttles between 1986 and the 1940s in a predictable story that chronicles the losses of old age and the bewilderment of youth. Henry recalls the difficulties of life in America during WWII, when he and his Japanese-American school friend, Keiko, wandered through wartime Seattle. Keiko and her family are later interned in a camp, and Henry, horrified by America's anti-Japanese hysteria, is further conflicted because of his Chinese father's anti-Japanese sentiment. Henry's adult life in 1986 is rather mechanically rendered, and Ford clumsily contrasts Henry's difficulty in communicating with his college-age son, Marty, with Henry's own alienation from his father, who was determined to Americanize him. The wartime persecution of Japanese immigrants is presented well, but the flatness of the narrative and Ford's reliance on numerous cultural cliches make for a disappointing read.

Overview

Jamie Ford - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Swe is a Freeware software in the category Home & Hobby developed by Supergorod.

The latest version of Jamie Ford - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Swe is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 01/21/2011.

Jamie Ford - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Swe runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Jamie Ford - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Swe has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

  • Compelling and heartfelt storytelling that intertwines past and present.
  • Richly developed characters that evoke empathy and connection.
  • Exploration of historical events, specifically Japanese American internment during WWII, providing educational insights.
  • Beautifully descriptive writing that creates a vivid sense of place.
  • Themes of love, loss, memory, and resilience resonate deeply with readers.

Cons

  • Some readers may find the pacing slow in certain sections.
  • The dual timeline narrative might be confusing for some if not well followed.
  • Certain plot elements may come across as clichéd or predictable.
  • Some characters might feel underdeveloped or secondary to the main storyline.
  • Emotional themes could be triggering for some readers.

FAQ

What is 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' about?

The novel follows the story of a Chinese-American boy named Henry Lee and his friendship with a Japanese-American girl named Keiko during World War II.

Who is the author of 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet'?

The author is Jamie Ford.

What is the setting of 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet'?

The novel is set in Seattle, Washington during World War II and in the 1980s.

Is 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' a work of fiction?

Yes, the novel is a fictional story inspired by true events.

Does 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' explore themes of racial tension?

Yes, the novel delves into themes of racial prejudice, discrimination, and love across cultural boundaries.

Was 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' well-received by readers?

The novel received generally positive reviews and was a New York Times bestseller.

Is there a film adaptation of 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet'?

As of now, there is no film adaptation of the novel.

What age group is 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' suitable for?

The novel is suitable for young adults and adult readers.

Does 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' focus on historical events?

Yes, the novel is intertwined with historical events such as the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

Is 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' a romantic story?

'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' has elements of romance within its storyline.


Pete Milner

Pete Milner

I'm Pete, a software reviewer at UpdateStar with a passion for the ever-evolving world of technology. My background in engineering gives me a unique insight into the intricacies of software, allowing me to provide in-depth, knowledgeable reviews and analyses. Whether it's the newest software releases, tech innovations, or the latest trends, I'm here to break it all down for you. I work from UpdateStar’s Berlin main office.

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