Have you ever read a book that just stays with you long after you turn the final page??
This book does that.
Here is what some reviews say about this novel:
"mesmerizing and evocative, a tale of conflicted loyalties and timeless devotion" (Sara Gruen, author)
"impressive, bitter, and sweet debut...explores the age-old conflicts between father and son and the depths and longing of deep-heart love" (Lisa See, author)
"will make you linger on the final pages, sure that even the bitterest memories and the most painful regret can yield something sweet" (BookPage)...and the quote sums up what I personally felt....about a friendship that has been "lost" to me.....a love for another person.....
"a timely debut that not only reminds readers of a shameful episode in American history, but cautions us to examine the present and take heed we don't repeat those injustices." (Kirkus Reviews)....indeed!!!
My Review:
Genre: historical fiction
Author: Jamie Ford (who is part Chinese)
Copyright: 2009 by Ballantine Books
Setting: Seattle, Washington in 1994 and 1986
Summary of Plot: Henry Lee, a Chinese-American, finds himself back at the Panama Hotel which was once considered to be the "gateway" to Seattle's Japantown. (this part is true). It is 1986 and the new owner discovers many treasures and possessions of Japanese families who were forced out of Seattle and sent to internment camps during WW2. Henry remembers his Japanese-American friend, a girl, from his childhood days in 1942 when he was 12 years old. Keiko (kay-ko) and Henry form a deep friendship...a true bond...that goes beyond the prejudices of their "Old World" ancestors. They promise to wait for each other after Keiko's family is sent away from Seattle. In 1986, forty years later, Henry is looking for a long-lost object that has value to him, based on his friendship with Keiko. Does he ever reunite with her?? What happens between him and his very angry father?? How does Henry's son play into this story? Henry's search for this object, in this hotel, will take him on a journey where he revisits (in his mind) the sacrifices he made for his family, his love, and his country.
This is one powerfully-charged, emotional book. I couldn't put it down and finished it within a few days.....it is a short read (not a thick novel) and the literary style is superb. The chapters are short and each chapter is set in either 1942 or 1986. However, it is not confusing. Each chapter has a title with the date underneath and the characters are not so many that you can't lose sight of the plot.
I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of anything relating to our (the USA) part in World War II, a fan of the beginnings of jazz, or if you like a good love story that is based on family and friendship. It is NOT a sappy romance! It is definitely a thought-provoking historical fiction piece. I hope the author continues to write.
It changed my thinking about alot of things regarding friendships, family, and really listening to words left unspoken.
3 comments:
Sounds like something I would really get into. I'll have to check and see if the library has it.
Very interesting, Faith! Set in our area, no less.
I've been looking for books for my 88-year old father, who is still going strong. He loves historical novels set in the WWII era. Do you think he would like it?
yes...anyone with an interest in WW2, the 1940's, Seattle, will be interested.
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