A Japanese Nightingale

Summary:

A wealthy young American in Tokyo has a chance encounter with a beautiful blue-eyed geisha. He has nearly forgotten her when a Nakoda, known as a Japanese matchmaker, offers her to him as a bride. Knowing the stigma attached to such unions, he declines. Yet he cannot get her out of his mind and what he decides next sets up a relationship where neither side can fully trust the other, especially when a shameful secret must be uncovered before they can find happiness.

With its reflections on gender, race, and sexuality, A Japanese Nightingale propelled Onoto Watanna to fame. The novel was well received and theater and silent-movie adaptations soon followed, paving the way for Watanna’s prolific writing for years to come.