carlyxdeexx 's review for:

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

4.0

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As much as this book essentially unfolded as I’d expected it to, I enjoyed reading it, and following Henry back and forth between his time as a young boy becoming a young man and his life as a father watching his own grown son choose his future. The writing was never too saccharine for me—I appreciated the book’s tone, very matter-of-fact and honest. Henry’s youth occurred during Japanese internment, and this book explores this occurrence and World War II, shedding light on the nuances of racism and oppression. I particularly liked the theme of family ties and influence in this book, seeing Henry’s father in him, watching Henry seeing himself in his own son. Henry’s parents versus Henry as a parent. Families living uniquely. Always a topic I find engaging,