Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Father-son relationships form the heart of this novel. In exploring this dynamic, the text centers upon three dynamics: Henry and his father, Henry and Sheldon, and Henry and Marty. Each dynamic explores a different aspect of father-son relationships. With Henry and his father, the novel explores how father-son relationships can fracture irreparably. Sheldon’s character serves as a surrogate father for Henry, demonstrating the crucial role other paternal figures can play in a child’s life and reinforcing how powerful a healthy father-son dynamic can be. With Henry and his own son Marty, the novel explores how fractured relationships can heal and strengthen, particularly through mutual love, trust, and understanding.

In the case of Henry’s father, Mr. Lee follows many Chinese traditions and cannot accept that his son has developed modern ideas, particularly regarding intermingling with people of Japanese ancestry. Henry’s father also enforces his own idea of who Henry should be rather than encouraging Henry to discover his own identity. This is apparent when he makes Henry wear the “I am Chinese” button but forbids him from speaking Chinese at home. He envisions his son traveling to China to complete his education and refuses to abide any deviation from tradition.