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The Love of Azalea

By Onoto Watanna
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About This Book

The narrative centers on a rural village transformed by the arrival of a young foreign missionary whose sincere preaching and singing, and the modest charity he extends, create both fascination and gossip. He organizes a paid choir of street boys, attracting curious villagers and shifting local routines. A young girl named Azalea watches these events with longing: she dreams of money to leave her harsh household. Through the villagers' responses to the missionary's gestures, the story examines cultural misunderstanding, social hierarchy, compassion, and the personal costs of aspiration.

About the Author

Watanna, Onoto portrait

Onoto Watanna

Onoto Watanna was a prominent Japanese-American author known for her contributions to early 20th-century literature, particularly in the genre of romance. Her works often explore themes of identity and cultural intersection, reflecting her own experiences as a Japanese immigrant in America. Among her notable titles are "A Japanese Blossom" and "Daughters of Nijo: A Romance of Japan," which showcase her ability to weave rich narratives that blend Eastern and Western influences. Watanna's writing not only entertained but also provided insight into the complexities of cultural assimilation and the lives of women in her time.

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