In America, not a lot of non-Asians are familiar with Asian side of the story during WWII. Sure a lot of non-Asians are familiar with internment camps that USA constructed for Japanese and German citizens, but not many know that China and Japan were enemies during that time, which is a reason I chose Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford for the topic of rebel. Why? The main character in the book, a Chinese-American by the name of Henry Lee, befriends and develops feelings for a Japanese-American girl, Keiko Okabe. He has also done the unthinkable in refusing to think the same way his old world parents think about the Japanese.
While Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet seems to be the darling of anyone who tries out Jamie Ford, I feel bad in admitting it that I didn't like it all that much. I'm not sure why, but perhaps because his other book, Songs of Willow Frost, will always hold a magical place in my heart. It is a good story, both tender and sweet as well as having a heartache, but Songs of Willow Frost will always be the number one in my book.
You read so extensively. Feel sheepish to admit that other than the Japanese bombing in Hiroshima/ Nagasaki, I know very little about the casualties on the Asian side. (despite being from India)
ReplyDeleteThe story is quite apt for the "Rebel" theme - hard to stand up against racism/regionalism/political fanaticism when the opposition includes your parents. Seems very poignant!