Madame Chrysanthème

A semi-autobiographical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the experiences of the narrator, who embarks on a journey to Japan and explores the cultural richness of the country while engaging in a marriage arrangement that involves a Japanese woman named Chrysanthème. The narrative reflects the author's observations of the contrasts between his romanticized perceptions of Japan and the realities he encounters. At the start of the novel, the narrator and his companion, Yves, are on a ship approaching Japan. They are filled with excitement and anticipation, and the narrator dreams of marrying a Japanese woman, who he imagines as a lovely, delicate figure. Upon arriving and experiencing the beautiful yet commercialized nature of Nagasaki, he quickly becomes disillusioned by the mundane aspects of the city, contrasting his idyllic visions with the stark realities around him. As he navigates his first encounters on Japanese soil, the arrival of potential brides is set into motion, leading to a humorous yet poignant exploration of identity and cultural expectations amidst the narrator's longing for authentic connection in this foreign land.