The Wooing of Wistaria

by Onoto Watanna

"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.