Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Isolation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

The lack of meaningful communication between father and son was based on a lifetime of isolation. Henry had been an only child, without siblings around to talk to, to share things with constantly. And Marty was the same. Whatever stumbling methods of communication Henry has used with his own father seemed to have been passed down to Marty. (13.2)

Henry and Marty have had similar upbringings and both have a difficult time sharing and talking openly with each other. That's why they feel so isolated and lonely even when they're trying to spend time together.

Quote #5

Henry lingered at the edge of the boarding area, waving good-bye as they pulled away from the station, disappearing from sight. He wiped warm tears from his cheeks, his sadness diluted by the sea of families waiting for the next train. Hundreds of families. Thousands. (26.88)

After Keiko and her family are evacuated, Henry feels so alone—not just because his best friend has left but because the entirety of Japantown is now empty. The whole vibrant community has been removed.

Quote #6

But from that moment on, he began to feel like a ghost in the little brick apartment he shared with his parents. They didn't speak to him; in fact, they barely acknowledged his presence. They'd speak to each other as if he weren't there, and when they looked his way, they'd each pretend to look right through him. (36.1)

Henry's home life isn't going so well ever since his father disowned him. His parents act as though he doesn't exist and ignore everything he says; they're determined to make him feel as alienated as possible.