#jamieford

Ho clamorosamente violato una delle mie regole: i cinque giorni che mi dò come tempo massimo per chiudere una lettura, sono diventati otto. Non volevo separarmi, non volevo chiudere il sipario su questa storia incredibile che Jamie Ford ne L’aroma nascosto del tè ha coraggiosamente raccontato in questo romanzo. Si tratta di una storia vera, documentata dalle testate giornalistiche di Seattle del 1909 e degli anni a seguire. Le origini asiatiche dello scrittore non fanno che acuire la sensibilità a certe tematiche, come la compravendita di vite umane, la schiavitù, e la prostituzione minorile subita dalle popolazioni cinesi e giapponesi a cavallo tra il XIX e il XX secolo. I suoi romanzi trattano sempre tematiche di forte impatto, che richiedono uno stomaco forte e un cuore tenero per entrare perfettamente nello spirito del romanzo. Ho conosciuto Jamie Ford con Il gusto proibito dello zenzero, e ho creduto davvero di non aver mai letto una storia intensa, ma evidentemente sono di facili giudizi perché mi sono dovuta ricredere di nuovo. #lapescatricediasterischi #jamieford #laromanascostodelte #ilgustoproibitodellozenzero #garzanti https://www.instagram.com/p/BpQAQeaA2B7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1v63fjmvpn5ig

First of all, I loved Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and that’s why I chose to read this book. When I read it a few years ago, I loved the mix of Chinese culture, the historical wartime setting, and the beautiful language and descriptions that made it stick in my mind for months afterwards. Therefore, I was excited to see that Jamie Ford had written another book. While I think it’s a simpler premise, his use of descriptive language still brings alive the eras in which it is set. Ernest is a half Chinese boy, smuggled into the US and ends up working in a brothel called the Tenderloin after he is raffled off at the Seattle World’s fair. The story moves between his experiences as a youngster in 1909, to his memories and life just under 60 years later, at the new World’s fair. He falls in love with two girls who live at the brothel, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear which of them becomes his wife. The scenes in this book, from the vibrant and colourful fair, to the sumptuous surroundings and beautiful dresses in the Tenderloin, are brought to life by the author's careful descriptions and made me want to climb into the book and visit. While there is scandal, sexual themes and vice, you get to know the characters and end up feeling sorry for their struggle to do their best in a tough world, rather than judging what they do. I really enjoyed this book, I absolutely devoured it within a few days despite the fact that I probably should have been doing some uni work. While sometimes I find the switch between eras difficult, in this book I always knew where I was, and what age Ernest was. His innocent voice as a young man contrasted with his more mature and reflective thoughts as an older man with children, although his love for his wife shone through in both eras. While sin is undoubtably a theme of the book (and therefore the lighthearted brothel setting will not appeal to all), I think the overriding theme is enduring love, despite difficult circumstances. I would definitely judge this as a 4 star book, I guess a little more complexity of story would have elevated it to 5. 

Authors are my rockstars, and I'm lucky that one of my faves also happens to be local. . . . Living in Montana, I no longer get to attend a lot of author events, but tonight is the first of a handful that I get to experience over the next few weeks. It was just what I needed after a difficult week. It was filled with lots of laughs and great bookish chatter. I can't wait to dive into Ford's latest novel. . . . #jamieford #loveandotherconsolationprizes #bookstagram #montanamoment #montana #montanaauthors

February @bookandabrew box, another brilliant surprise with green oolang and ginger tea and the book Songs Of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford. I've already read it but didn't have it in hard copy so I'm very pleased! #bookstagram #bookworm #bookblogger #bookandabrew #booksubscriptionbox #songsofwillowfrost #jamieford #oteas #oolongtea #oolongandgingertea

Mentre ascolti questo disco, spero che ripenserai non alle cose brutte, ma alle belle. […] Jamie Ford

Best place to pass out books #wbn2014 #beach #books #jamieford @jamie4ord #hotelonthecornerofbitterandsweet