John Paris (1) (1889–1976)

This is a fascinating book that draws and repels at the same time.
The protagonists are an unusual couple - unusual because he is a minor British aristocrat and she is an extremely wealthy Japanese orphan who has spent all her life in Europe. They are likeable because they truly love each other but they are shallow and very frivolous which seems typical of the time and class. Things change rapidly when they visit Japan and learn about the strangeness of the country and its people as well as the source of their wealth. There is much to shock a modern reader. There is blatant racism, condescension, ignorance and cruelty but the story is very absorbing and most characters are sensitively portrayed though there are various caricatures which are troubling. I had mixed feelings about this book but had to finish it so it gets a strong rating.… (mais)