Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
“Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” is a lovely, lovely book and I would like to refuse to believe that it is Jamie Ford’s first. It is set partly in the late 1980s and partly in Seattle during World War II against the backdrop of young love, racism, the desire to blend in, obligations towards parents, and the internment of Japanese-Americans.
As other reviewers have pointed out, this is a very apt title as the book is indeed somewhat bittersweet. Honestly, I really cannot do this book justice. I don’t think this will end up as my #1 book of the year, but it is one that I will definitely keep around and go back to from time to time as a treat or to help myself out of a book funk. If you’re looking for a book that most people will almost definitely like, this one is it.
I won a copy of this novel from Marcia at The Printed Page and I’m really looking forward to reading it. I’m glad that you liked it. Did you see the link on Karen Harrington’s blog last week to the post about Jamie Ford’s letter while he was shopping the book? It was a really interesting look into the book and how it got published.
I was so far behind at Christmas, that when my mom spied this book and started reading it, I let her take it with the promise of a guest review and the return so I could read it too. I got the review, but I don’t know when I’m getting the book back! I may have to buy myself a copy so I can read it too. It sounds like a really good book.
I’m glad you liked it. I saw the query letter that he sent around for his book and it was very well done. I can’t wait to read this one. I think I will get to it in March
I’m really looking forward to reading this one too!
I’ve seen this one over and over again in blogdom, and have all had such wonderful reviews. It tells me something when someone as eloquent as you states that you can’t do it justice! At some point, I know I will end up with it on my nightstand!
I just want to flake on my other commitments and spend the day reading this one… I am excited to read it… I am going to make a point of it this weekend after DROOD.
If everyone thinks it’s great then there’s got to be something special there. It’s on my wishlist for someday soon.
Wow, that really is high praise. I’ve been going back and forth on whether I want to read this one, but I’m leaning towards reading it!
I’ve seen so many great reviews for this one. It’s on my wishlist. I’ll have to pick it up and give it a read one day soon.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. I’ve heard such good things about it. Glad you enjoyed it.
Anna’s last blog post..Interview With Dave Clarke, Author of KEEPING HANNAH WAITING
You totally missed your blog’s 1 year anniversary!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!