I fell in love with the title of this novel and then fell in love with the book. Henry Lee is Chinese and has the proof; his father makes him wear an "I am Chinese" button. It's 1942 in Seattle Washington. Japanese are being evacuated to relocation camps. Henry's best friend is Keiko, a Japanese classmate.
The novel flips back and forth between 1942 and 1986, when Henry, mourning the death of his wife, Ethel, sees on TV that the Panama Hotel has been sold and the new owner, in refurbishing it, has come across boxes and boxes of items hidden there by the Japanese before being relocated. He looks for Keiko's things and opens the door to the past.
Beautifully written, this novel snatches your imagination right away and won't let go. I loved it!
6 comments:
This sounds like an interesting book. I think I will add it to my list of things to read this year. I agree with you. I love the title.
Thanks for the review. :)
So glad you enjoyed the book.
Jamie
It looks like a great book! I'm really glad there are people who want to share their reading experience with others!!
Reece :-)
This one is sitting on the shelf waiting. Nice to see a favorable review before I delve in.
I really enjoyed this one too, Linda. It's such a great story.
I just started my own reading/book blog and I'm so glad to have found yours, too! I'm currently reading "Silver Like Dust" and it discusses Japanese internment camps as well! I just may pick up this book in order to compare the two. Nice to meet you!
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