Just finished reading HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET. I was middle aged before I had read much about the internment of the Japanese during World War II. I'll post more about three books for older readers, and elementary school readers, in another post, but today as I watched the news and worried and prayed for everyone in Japan. I felt even more connection and concern for them because of this book.
As a twelve year old in Seattle Henry Lee is forbidden to speak anything but English by his Chinese parents and sent to a private school wearing a button that proclaims "I Am Chinese." There he meets Keiko, a Japanese student who works with him in the lunch room. The only place they are free from the constant teasing and bullying at school. Henry's father is fighting the war against Japan from a distance and when he learns of Henry's friendship with Keiko he feels betrayed. He disowns his son and even though they live in the same house, Henry is isolated and alone unless he is with his friend Keiko or Sheldon, a sax player on the corner who becomes in a way a father to him.
The bittersweet story alternates in chapters between an older Henry with a son of his own and the twelve-year old Henry who endures separation from Keiko and her family as they are sent to Idaho, and continuing separation from his family.
The story is action and adventure, history and romance, a narrative that explores the conflicts of cultures, families and loyalties. This passage during Henry's visit to the Idaho camp is an example:
"'On rainy days, it's always nice,' Keiko's mother said, smiling . . .
'I still can't believe I'm here. Thank you.'
'There are almost four thousand of us here now, Henry, and you're our first guest, we're delighted,' Mr. Okabe said. 'There's supposed to be another six thousand coming in the next month . . .'
Ten thousand? It was a number that still seemed unimaginable to Henry. 'With that many people, what's to keep you from just taking over the camp?'
'Loyalty. We're still loyal to the United States of America. Why? Because we too are Americans. We don't agree, but we will show our loyalty by our obedience. Do you understand, Henry?'
All Henry could do was sigh and nod. He knew that concept all too well. Obedience as a sign of loyalty, as an expression of honor, even as an act of love, as a well-worn theme in his household. Especially between him and his father."
This book is appropriate for everyone, isn't that refreshing? There are so many that are not appropriate for anyone really, however talented the writer.
For young readers, and all of us a wonderful story about Japan, being homesick and family is:
The world is a small place and I miss everywhere I've ever lived. While we are praying for Japan and her people read them.
The bittersweet story alternates in chapters between an older Henry with a son of his own and the twelve-year old Henry who endures separation from Keiko and her family as they are sent to Idaho, and continuing separation from his family.
The story is action and adventure, history and romance, a narrative that explores the conflicts of cultures, families and loyalties. This passage during Henry's visit to the Idaho camp is an example:
"'On rainy days, it's always nice,' Keiko's mother said, smiling . . .
'I still can't believe I'm here. Thank you.'
'There are almost four thousand of us here now, Henry, and you're our first guest, we're delighted,' Mr. Okabe said. 'There's supposed to be another six thousand coming in the next month . . .'
Ten thousand? It was a number that still seemed unimaginable to Henry. 'With that many people, what's to keep you from just taking over the camp?'
'Loyalty. We're still loyal to the United States of America. Why? Because we too are Americans. We don't agree, but we will show our loyalty by our obedience. Do you understand, Henry?'
All Henry could do was sigh and nod. He knew that concept all too well. Obedience as a sign of loyalty, as an expression of honor, even as an act of love, as a well-worn theme in his household. Especially between him and his father."
This book is appropriate for everyone, isn't that refreshing? There are so many that are not appropriate for anyone really, however talented the writer.
For young readers, and all of us a wonderful story about Japan, being homesick and family is:
The world is a small place and I miss everywhere I've ever lived. While we are praying for Japan and her people read them.
