Author
Onoto Watanna
1875-1954
Onoto Watanna (1875-1954) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Onoto Watanna
Daughters of Nijo: A Romance of Japan
"Daughters of Nijo: A Romance of Japan" by Onoto Watanna is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the entwined lives of its characters against the backdrop of Japanese nobility during a time of political and social change. Central to the narrative are two women from vastly different backgrounds: the lowly farmer’s daughter, Ohano, whose life is upturned by her kidnapping and forced into a life at the court, and the noble Princess Sado-ko, whose innocence and sheltered upbringing contrast sharply with the intrigues around her. The beginning of the novel introduces Yamada Kwacho, a humble farmer known for saving the life of a local lord, and his young bride, Ohano. As Kwacho is called away on a mission, Ohano, yearning for excitement, ventures to see a royal parade but is kidnapped by a prince. This incident triggers a series of events intertwining her fate with that of the Prince of Nijo, while simultaneously setting the stage for Sado-ko's life within the royal court. The narrative begins to beautifully highlight themes of love, ambition, and the collision of simple agrarian lives with the complexities of aristocratic existence, hinting at the dramatic developments to come.
Sunny-San
"Sunny-San" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the life and struggles of a young girl named Sunny, the daughter of a famous dancer known as Madame Many Smiles, who has recently passed away. The backdrop of Japanese culture and the complex dynamics between the geisha system and foreign influences create a rich tapestry exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. The opening of "Sunny-San" introduces readers to the somber atmosphere following the death of Madame Many Smiles, casting a shadow over the House of a Thousand Joys. As the titular character, Sunny, navigates her new reality, she is thrust into the spotlight as her mother’s successor amid societal expectations and the looming threat of punishment from Hirata, the house’s master. The narrative unfolds with Sunny's enchanting performance that captivates American students, culminating in a dramatic rescue by them when she faces abuse from Hirata. This sets the stage for Sunny's journey of self-discovery, as she is taken in by her rescuers, leaving behind the painful ties to her past while discovering new possibilities for her future.
A Japanese Nightingale
"A Japanese Nightingale" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Yuki, a talented and captivating Japanese dancer who captures the attention of Jack Bigelow, an American man in Japan. As the plot unfolds, it explores themes of cultural exchange, identity, and the complexities of love as Eastern and Western customs collide. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a magical scene set during a moonlit banquet on a small island in Japan. Yuki performs a mesmerizing storm dance that leaves the audience, including Jack and an American theatrical manager, enchanted and eager to know her identity. The narrative sets the stage for Jack's growing fascination with Yuki, highlighting his initial encounter with her and the stark contrast between their worlds. As Jack expresses interest in Yuki and her unique talents, the thematic elements of fate and destiny begin to reveal themselves, allowing readers to sense the impending connection and challenges that will arise from their relationship. The opening chapters artfully blend beauty and cultural richness, drawing readers into a world where love, ambition, and the desire for belonging take center stage.
The diary of Delia : Being a veracious chronicle of the kitchen, with some side-lights on the parlour
"The Diary of Delia: Being a Veracious Chronicle of the Kitchen" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place in a domestic setting and presents itself through the eyes of Delia O'Mally, a working-class kitchen maid navigating her life and the eccentricities of the family she serves. With a blend of humor and realism, the book likely explores themes of social class, gender roles, and the struggles of domestic life. The opening of "The Diary of Delia" introduces us to Delia as she goes about her morning routine in the household of the Wolley family. We witness her interactions with the various family members, each characterized by their own quirks, particularly Mr. John, whose lack of appreciation for her hard work frustrates her. The initial chapters showcase Delia's strong personality and her conflicts arising from the family's demands, particularly regarding breakfast and her responsibilities. Through Delia's voice, filled with wit and a touch of Irish charm, the reader is drawn into her day-to-day experiences as she contemplates her worth and the dynamics of the household, setting the stage for her further adventures and thoughts on finding her place in the world.
Me: A Book of Remembrance
"Me: A Book of Remembrance" by Onoto Watanna is an autobiographical account written in the early 20th century. It chronicles the experiences of a young girl from Quebec, who at the age of seventeen, sets out on a journey to the West Indies, fueled by aspirations of becoming a writer. The narrative explores her encounters and the challenges she faces, highlighting her innocence and ambition as she navigates a new and often overwhelming environment. At the start of the book, the protagonist reflects on her departure from Quebec during a somber winter, leaving behind a family marked by struggle. We learn about her parents' backgrounds—her father an artist and her mother a former tightrope dancer—providing context to her unique upbringing. With only ten dollars in her pocket, she travels to Jamaica to work for a local newspaper, "The Lantern." The opening portion details her initial impressions of the city, interactions with crew members on the ship, and the distinct cultural landscape she is about to engage with, setting the stage for her adventures and misadventures in a foreign land.
His Royal Nibs
"His Royal Nibs" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of Alberta's ranching country and revolves around an Englishman, affectionately dubbed "Cheerio." He arrives in Canada with high hopes and dreams, aspiring to find a place in this rugged land while contending with the unique challenges of ranch life and the colorful characters who inhabit it, including the fiery Hilda McPherson and her brother Sandy. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the lively ranch atmosphere of O Bar O, where various tramps—mostly war veterans—tread the dusty roads seeking work. Amidst the chaos of a stampede caused by a strange Englishman, who attempts to intervene, we discover Cheerio's character—a blend of amiability and naivety. Throughout the opening chapters, his interactions with the ranch hands and the McPherson siblings unveil a mix of humor and tension, especially in his budding and tumultuous relationship with Hilda, who is both intrigued and contemptuous of him. The vivid descriptions and lively dialogues paint a picture of a vibrant community filled with opportunity, challenges, and the possibility of love.
A Japanese Blossom
"A Japanese Blossom" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in Japan, focusing on the Kurukawa family, who are navigating the complexities of their father's decision to remarry an American woman after the death of their mother. The narrative centers around themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the struggle against personal and national expectations, particularly through the eyes of the eldest son, Gozo, who grapples with feelings of anger and duty. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Kurukawa family's children as they gather around their grandmother to hear a letter from their father, now living in America. This letter reveals significant changes in their family dynamics, including the birth of a new sibling and the father's new marriage, leading to the children debating their feelings towards their impending stepmother. The eldest son, Gozo, reacts with rebellion and disdain, insisting on leaving his household to serve the Emperor as a soldier rather than confronting the changes brought by the arrival of an "American barbarian." This tension sets the stage for the exploration of cultural contrasts and familial loyalty that permeates the rest of the narrative. As the plot develops, the relationships between the siblings, their reactions to their father's decisions, and the arrival of the stepmother emerge as vital threads in this rich tapestry of Japanese life during a time of change.
The Heart of Hyacinth
"The Heart of Hyacinth" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Japan, particularly in the beautiful region of Sendai and the picturesque Matsushima Bay, the narrative intertwines themes of cultural identity, personal struggle, and the complexities of cross-cultural relationships. The story begins with Madame Aoi, a Japanese woman who raises her mixed-race son, Komazawa, and their adopted child, Hyacinth, against a backdrop of sociopolitical changes and the influence of Western culture. The opening portion of the book introduces Aoi's life with her son Komazawa and the adopted girl Hyacinth, revealing their daily existence and the challenges they face. Tragedy strikes when Aoi’s English husband dies, leaving her to navigate her identity as a mother and wife in a transforming society. As Komazawa grows, he grapples with his dual heritage, while Hyacinth, who struggles with her own identity, appears to blend the two cultures. Their lives begin to interweave with the arrival of outsiders, setting the stage for tensions that come from cultural differences and expectations. Through poignant illustrations of their relationships, Watanna captures the essence of longing and belonging in an ever-evolving world.
Cattle
"Cattle" by Winnifred Eaton (Onoto Watanna) is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds across four Alberta ranches, focusing particularly on the struggle for power and survival within the harsh realities of ranching life. The main character, Nettie Day, faces adversity as she takes on the responsibilities of her family's ranch amidst an oppressive atmosphere dictated by powerful male figures, particularly the tyrannical Bull Langdon. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the landscapes of Alberta and the principal characters, including the ruthless Bull Langdon, who aggressively expands his cattle empire, often at the expense of others. Nettie, tasked with caring for her younger siblings following her father's demise, finds herself navigating the challenges of ranch life while contending with Langdon's oppressive nature. The opening sections set a vivid scene of the struggles that both cattle and people endure in this challenging environment. As the narrative progresses, the complexities of love, power dynamics, and the harshness of the land become central themes.
The Honorable Miss Moonlight
"The Honorable Miss Moonlight" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the tumultuous life of Lord Saito Gonji, a young Japanese nobleman, who finds himself caught between the expectations of his family and his longing for love. Central to the narrative is his betrothal to Ohano, a girl chosen by his parents, but Gonji's heart is captivated by Moonlight, a celebrated geisha known as the "Spider." At the start of the novel, the setting is established on a sultry evening in Japan as Gonji prepares to celebrate his upcoming marriage in the company of family and revelers. Despite the festive atmosphere, he struggles with his obligations to marry Ohano, feeling trapped and ensnared by societal expectations. Meanwhile, Moonlight emerges as a prominent figure in the tale, her rise to fame in the geisha world juxtaposed against Gonji's honorable lineage and the weight of tradition. Their paths intertwine as he is drawn to her beauty and spirit, leading to complex emotions and a conflict between duty and desire. The opening suggests a rich exploration of love, tradition, and the societal roles of men and women in early 20th-century Japan.
The Love of Azalea
"The Love of Azalea" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century." The story revolves around Azalea, a young Japanese girl caught in the throes of cultural conflict, personal tragedy, and romantic turmoil as she navigates life under the strictures of her stepmother and the demands of societal expectations. Her journey leads her to encounter Richard Verley, a missionary who changes the course of her life. "At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to a mission church in a small Japanese village, where the congregation is disinterested in the sermons of the foreign priest, Richard Verley." Amidst this backdrop, Azalea is depicted as a young girl longing for escape from her unkind home life with a stepmother who treats her cruelly. Dressed in rags, Azalea finds herself smitten with the notion of earning money through singing, just like the choir boys who are treated kindly by Verley. This initial longing evolves when she decides to approach the minister, pretending to seek conversion in the hopes of receiving assistance. The opening chapters set the stage for her transformative journey, revealing her desires for freedom and love against the struggles of her impoverished circumstances and the rigid expectations of her society.
Miss Numè of Japan: A Japanese-American Romance
"Miss Numè of Japan: A Japanese-American Romance" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a rich tapestry of cultural intersections, primarily focusing on the lives of two central characters, Orito Takashima and Numè Watanabe, childhood friends from wealthy Japanese families whose fathers have arranged their marriage. However, Orito's educational pursuits lead him to America, creating a backdrop of longing and cultural exploration as both characters navigate their personal desires against the expectations placed upon them by society and family. The opening of the novel introduces Orito and Numè's childhood bond, established through their fathers' ambitions. At just ten years old, Numè's carefree joy contrasts sharply with Orito's impending departure to study in America, which is proposed as a means to secure a brighter future. This sets the stage for deep emotional undercurrents, particularly in Numè, who reacts defiantly against the notion of Orito's absence. The narrative then shifts to present interactions with different characters onboard a steamer heading to Japan, including the spirited American girl Cleo Ballard, hinting at future romantic entanglements and cultural misunderstandings. The beginning effectively establishes the central themes of love, ambition, and the tension between tradition and modernity that will drive the plot forward.
The Wooing of Wistaria
"The Wooing of Wistaria" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Lady Wistaria, a young Japanese woman navigating the complexities of love, family duty, and societal expectations against the backdrop of a feudal Japan fraught with political intrigue and personal vendettas. Through her interactions, particularly with her lover, Keiki—whose identity as a member of the rival Mori clan complicates their romance—the narrative explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the impact of familial obligations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Lady Wistaria as she reflects on her tumultuous childhood, marked by tragedy and loss, particularly the memory of witnessing her father's anger towards a nobleman he deemed responsible for her mother's death. This early trauma shapes not only her personality but also her subsequent experiences at the court. As she matures into a beautiful young woman, Lady Wistaria is prepared for court life under the watchful eye of her strict aunt. However, a chance encounter with Keiki ignites a forbidden romance that leads her into the throes of political drama and familial conflicts as her father demands her to betray her lover for personal vengeance against the Mori clan. The opening chapters set the stage for a story steeped in emotional turmoil and the looming threat of conflict between love and duty.
Marion: The Story of an Artist's Model
"Marion: The Story of an Artist's Model" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on a young girl named Marion, who is navigating her childhood and aspirations against the backdrop of a large family living in Hochelaga, Montreal. As she grapples with her self-image and dreams of becoming an actress, the narrative explores themes of beauty, ambition, and family dynamics. At the start of the story, Marion is sent to buy groceries but feels embarrassed when a local grocer discusses her family in a way that makes them seem conspicuous. This sparks Marion's desire to be seen as pretty after a stranger calls her “remarkably pretty.” This moment ignites her aspiration to become an actress, distracting her from her duties at home. The opening portrays her family life, her interactions with her father, a struggling artist, and the challenges of poverty that they face. Marion's vivid imagination and daydreams about fame contrast with the harsh realities of her world, setting the stage for her journey toward self-discovery and ambition.
Tama
"Tama" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in Fukui, Japan, and centers around the themes of cultural clash, mystery, and the supernatural, particularly through the character of the enigmatic Fox-Woman. The book delves into Japanese mythology and folklore, exploring the complex relationships between Western and Japanese characters as they navigate a world filled with both charm and danger. At the start of the novel, Fukui anticipates the arrival of a foreign professor, referred to as the "Tojin-san," stirring excitement and apprehension among its citizens. While preparations unfold for his welcome—complete with tales of his dietary needs and the mysterious Fox-Woman stalking the region—whispers of superstition and fear permeate the community. As the Tojin-san struggles against the cultural superstitions surrounding him, he becomes increasingly intrigued by the legend of the Fox-Woman. The opening vividly describes the bustling atmosphere of a transitioning Japan and sets the stage for a tale that intertwines folklore, personal struggle, and the search for understanding across cultural divides.
Tama : $b Japanilainen lemmentarina
"Tama: Japanilainen lemmentarina" by Onoto Watanna is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of cultural exchange and supernatural elements within a historical Japanese setting. The primary narrative revolves around Tojin-san, a foreign professor invited to teach in Fukui, Japan, and the mysterious interactions he has with a local legend known as the "kettu-naine" or fox woman. The opening of the book immerses the reader in the excitement and apprehension surrounding the anticipated arrival of Tojin-san in Fukui. The townspeople, including samurai and servants, prepare for this foreign professor while also fearing the rumored fox woman who haunts the region. As Tojin-san arrives amid snowy landscapes, he contemplates not only his purpose in Japan but also the strange and beautiful allure of the culture surrounding him. The narrative showcases his challenges in navigating Japanese customs, societal expectations, and the looming threat of the enigmatic fox spirit, setting the stage for a captivating exploration of identity and the supernatural as the story unfolds.
Japanilainen satakieli
"Japanilainen satakieli" by Onoto Watanna is a romantic novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in Japan and revolves around the main characters, Jack Bigelow, an American, and Yuki, a young Japanese woman, exploring themes of cultural clash, love, and societal expectations. The narrative dives into their budding relationship as they navigate the complexities of their differing backgrounds. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to a picturesque evening on a small island where Japanese revelers are celebrating under the full moon. Amidst the festivities, a sacred dance unfolds, performed by a mysterious young woman who captures the attention of American theater agent Jack Bigelow. He is enchanted by her talents and beauty, and despite her reluctance due to her modest birthplace, she expresses a desire to marry him. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for the ensuing romance and conflicts, setting the stage for the intertwining of Eastern and Western cultures as their relationship develops amidst societal expectations and personal aspirations.