For modern readers the fictional story, based on historical fact is an eye opener. Many are unaware of the racism and vilification suffered by these American communities - which was a reflection of the wider world of suffering, displacement and devastation across war torn Europe.
Two young friends, Henry and Keiko, found and then lost each other at the worst time in the world's history but now, years later, the Panama Hotel is being awakened by a developer after its long sleep.
In the basement are found the possessions of many Japanese families, thousands of whom were rounded up - doctors, dentists, lawyers, laboureres and street sellers, hotel and business owners, their homes and properties confiscated - to be interned in inland camps in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbour.
Two American-born children, Henry from a Chinese family and Keiko from a Japanese family - live on the edge of the white community; bullied at school and in the street. Henry is forced by his father to wear a "I am Chinese" pin on his lapel for his own safety. At this time China was an ally whereas Japan was not.
Keiko and Henry form a lifelong bond eventhough most of their adult lives are lived out separately.
When Henry's wife dies, he sets out on a quest to rediscover lost time. For Henry the hotel is a poignant reminder of his childhood. Now that the basement has been opened to Japanese families to reclaim whatever is of value to them, Henry uses the surname of his childhood friend to gain access.
"Looking at the mountain of boxes he'd yet to search, he felt Keiko's presence. Something of her remained. Inside. He strained to hear her voice in memory."
The novel is written from a strong male viewpoint. We know little of what the female characters think as they are sidelined to the main story of Henry's longing and stoicism.
But what happened to Keiko? Has Henry's lifelong yearning been in vain? You have to wait until the last few pages of the final chapter to find out.
As a reader, I would have liked to have had more insight in to Keiko's backstory. Perhaps it can be argued that the warp and weft of historical and social norms justifies the skimpy explanation of her absence. Or not.
Personally, I would have liked one chapter to switch to her point of view.
What happened? What were her reasons? Did Henry's dictatorial father interfere and intercept their letters? Did Keiko meet a new boy in the camp; did she perform a girlish ceremonial goodbye in her heart (atleast this would have satisfied the readers that her intentions towards Henry would always be true). And why didn't she contact him since she knew of the hotel on the corner of bitter and sweet?
Food during the war was rationed. Henry's mother cooked simple, traditional meals.
"His father slurped his jook - thick rice soup mixed with diced preserved cabbage"
Henry ate many of his meals alone because his father had disowned him over his "betrayal". His mother, although obedient to the father's wishes, did however show her love for Henry through the meals she set aside for him.
Conjee (rice porridge) also known as Jook.
Ingredients
I cup of long grained rice
1.5 litres of water
Several knobs of ginger
Salt to taste
Instructions
Boil until glutinous and porridge-like. Add more water or stock if it becomes too thick. It also thickens as it cools so add more water to thin it out if you decide to reheat it. Serve with a sprinkling of sesame oil and shallots. Or condiments such as fermented beancurd (my favourite) pickled cucumbers, radishes, bamboo shoots - all readily available at Asian groceries.
Photos and review are the copyright of The Book Cafe and author Ann Etcell-Ly
