91 pages • 3 hours read
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
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Book Brief
301
Novel • Fiction
Seattle, Washington • 1940s
2009
Adult
14+ years
850L
Super Short Summary
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford is a historical novel that alternates between 1942 and 1986, following Henry Lee, a Chinese American man. In 1942, 12-year-old Henry develops a close bond with Keiko Okabe, a Japanese American girl, amidst wartime prejudice and internment. By 1986, recently widowed Henry embarks on a journey to reconnect with his past, assisted by his son.
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
320,811 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jamie Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet receives praise for its evocative depiction of a Japanese internment during WWII and the touching interracial friendship at its core. Critics commend Ford's nostalgic and atmospheric prose. However, some find the plot predictable and the characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's a heartfelt but occasionally simplistic narrative.
Who Should Read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet?
A reader who would enjoy Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford is likely a fan of historical fiction with rich, emotional narratives. Those who appreciated The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or Pachinko by Min Jin Lee would find this novel compelling due to its exploration of cultural heritage, forbidden love, and historical events.
320,811 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
301
Novel • Fiction
Seattle, Washington • 1940s
2009
Adult
14+ years
850L
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