“Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet,” tells the story of Henry Lee, from his difficult childhood as a Chinese-American during World War II to the death of his wife in 1986. Henry Lee is first-generation American with Chinese immigrant parents. As with most immigrant families there is tension between the old ways of the parents, and the new ways of their adoptive country. Henry Lee obeys without question his father’s orders even when he orders him to wear a button on his school shirt that reads, “I am Chinese.”

His father sends him to an American school to “Americanize” him as quickly as possible, without thought to the bullying and torment he is subjected to. He also orders Henry to speak only English in the home, however, both parents speak only Cantonese. Henry is slowly becoming very isolated in this world the father has created for him.

Henry must work in the lunch room during lunch and after school to help support his admittance into the school. One day a beautiful young Japanese girl transfers into the school and begins working in the lunch room with Henry.

As young love blooms it is contrasted by the prejudice and hatred of a country at war with the Japanese. Henry does his best to understand why his beautiful Keiko and her loving family are so ridiculed, even by his own father who hates the Japanese (American or not).

This book provided us with interesting discussions on the Japanese-American internment camps, the relationship in American between the Chinese and the Japanese, and the relationship between immigrants and their first-generation children.

We enjoyed the book.   Years before we read “Snow Falling on Cedars,” by David Guterson. Both books delve into the Japanese-American internment camps and the resulting racism and persecution with different story lines.  Both books are great for book clubs and will give you plenty to discuss.  Enjoy!

Rating: 8.0