Author
Frances Little
1863-1941
Frances Little (1863-1941) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Frances Little
Little Sister Snow
"Little Sister Snow" by Frances Little is a novel written in the early 20th century. This poignant tale explores the life of a young Japanese girl named Yuki Chan, highlighting her experiences of childhood innocence, cultural expectations, and the struggles within the confines of her societal duties. The book offers readers a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of Japanese traditions while tackling themes of love, longing, and personal sacrifice. The story follows Yuki Chan as she transitions from a playful, carefree child in a quaint Japanese garden to a young woman facing the weight of adulthood and arranged marriage. As she develops feelings for an American boy, Dick Merrit, who visits her village, she grapples with her burgeoning emotions and the expectations placed upon her by her family and society. Yuki's life is painted with vivid imagery of her surroundings and the rich cultural practices, yet it is also tinged with the challenges of poverty and her desire for personal happiness. Throughout the narrative, Yuki struggles with the tension between her duty to her family and her dreams of love and freedom, making for a touching and reflective read for those interested in historical and cultural contexts.
The Lady of the Decoration
"The Lady of the Decoration" by Frances Little is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story follows a young widow from Kentucky who embarks on a journey to Japan to teach in a mission school, seeking to rebuild her life after the loss of her husband. The narrative, conveyed through a series of letters to her cousin, captures her reflections on her past, her new experiences, and the struggles of adapting to a foreign culture. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the protagonist, who is apprehensive yet eager about her upcoming voyage to Japan. She grapples with feelings of loss, homesickness, and uncertainty about her future. Her correspondence reveals her internal conflict regarding her past life and the expectations placed upon her as a missionary. As the opening unfolds, she describes her journey on the ship, encounters with fellow passengers, and the challenges she faces while transitioning into her new role in Japan. Through her witty and candid observations, the reader gains insight into her character and the historic context of her experiences as a foreigner navigating a new world.
The House of the Misty Star A Romance of Youth and Hope and Love in Old Japan
"The House of the Misty Star" by Frances Little is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book is set in Japan and explores themes of youth, hope, and love through the experiences of its main character, Ursula Priscilla Jenkins, known as Miss Jenkins, who runs a small house filled with memories and various guests from diverse backgrounds. The narrative revolves around her life and the introduction of a young missionary named Jane Gray, which brings unexpected change and challenges into her otherwise monotonous existence. At the start of the novel, Miss Jenkins reflects on her past and her years of teaching in Japan, feeling a longing for more excitement and opportunity. Despite her isolation and the humble nature of her life, she is drawn into a new dynamic with the arrival of Jane Gray, a spirited yet impractical missionary who initially struggles with health and practicality. Their lives intertwine further when Jane's antics lead them to encounter Kishimoto San, a traditional Japanese school superintendent, and his rebellious granddaughter, Zura, who embodies the clash between Western ideals and Eastern traditions. The opening of the book sets up a rich tapestry of characters and cultural conflicts, promising a tale filled with personal growth, societal exploration, and the complexities of love and friendship.
The Lady and Sada San A Sequel to the Lady of the Decoration
"The Lady and Sada San" by Frances Little is a novel written in the early 20th century, serving as a sequel to "The Lady of the Decoration." The story is set primarily in Japan and revolves around the protagonist and narrator, who embarks on a journey to reunite with her husband, Jack, and provide companionship and support to a young Japanese-American girl named Sada San. As the narrative unfolds, the complexities of cultural identity, gender roles, and tenderness in human connections emerge. The opening of the novel introduces the narrator's reflections as she journeys across the Pacific Ocean to Japan in direct defiance of her husband Jack's wishes. She expresses her feelings of discontent and loneliness in his absence while simultaneously plotting to be close to him during his scientific expedition. Amidst her reflections, she meets Sada San, a half American, half Japanese girl who has high hopes of returning to her roots in Japan. Sada's backstory is revealed through the narrator’s observations, highlighting her innocence and the harsh realities she is set to face upon her return. The narrator’s heartfelt concern for Sada's future, especially regarding her uncle’s intentions for her, hints at the unfolding drama and the cultural clashes that will define the narrative ahead.
Mr. Bamboo and the Honorable Little God A Christmas Story
"Mr. Bamboo and the Honorable Little God" by Frances Little is a poignant Christmas story written in the early 20th century. This work of fiction reflects themes of childhood innocence, cultural understanding, and the spiritual awakening of a young Japanese boy named Tãke Nishimura. The narrative takes place in a Japanese mission school and captures the vibrant experiences of children learning about Christmas in a foreign context. The story revolves around Tãke Chan, a young boy who is enamored with the idea of a new God as he learns about Christmas traditions. He prepares eagerly for the celebration, crafting gifts and decorations, and is excited about welcoming this new deity. His pure-hearted belief leads him to mistakenly perceive a beautiful doll as the embodiment of this God. Despite battling illness, his imaginative spirit shines through, culminating in a touching scene where he prays to the doll, affectionately addressing it as "Honorable Little God." The tale culminates in a bittersweet revelation as Tãke Chan's fascination with the foreign customs and his gentle spirit transcend his understanding, leading to a profound connection to the Christ-child before he passes away.
Lumihiutale : $b (Little Sister Snow)
"Lumihiutale (Little Sister Snow)" by Frances Little is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in Japan, it follows Yuki (“Juki”) from mischievous childhood into young womanhood as she navigates filial duty, poverty, an arranged marriage, and a tender cross‑cultural bond with an American, Richard Merrit. The story explores tradition versus change, everyday domestic ritual, and the pull between Buddhist upbringing and Christian ideas introduced by foreigners. The opening of this novel paints a vivid spring morning where little Juki plays beneath a plum tree, gets into mischief, and—after a dramatic scuffle over a bird and a cat—meets the American boy Dick Merrit, who stops her from throwing the cat into a canal and wins her trust. A chapter on the Doll Festival introduces her modest home, loving but aging parents, and the origins of her name (born in snow), emphasizing maternal devotion and Buddhist piety. Twelve years later, Yuki returns from a mission school, shouldering household burdens amid growing poverty while social custom prevents her from working; her father arranges her marriage to the well‑placed Saito. A letter arrives from Richard, now grown, asking to lodge with her family, which brings money and joy; Yuki prepares the house and hosts him for two happy months of language lessons and gentle flirtation. In a tender farewell scene—goldfish fed, a butterfly warmed, and a brief talk about God versus Buddha—Richard departs for home, leaving Yuki quietly heart‑sore but resolute. The section closes as she turns to preparations for her first meeting with Saito.