Onoto Watanna
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.