Hills of Han: A Romantic Incident

"Hills of Han: A Romantic Incident" by Samuel Merwin is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to delve into themes of youth, identity, and the complexities of budding romance against a backdrop of cultural exploration in Japan and China. The main character, Betty Doane, navigates her evolving feelings and experiences as she travels with her companions, including the enigmatic journalist Jonathan Brachey. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to Betty Doane, a young woman sketching the profile of a man named Jonathan Brachey in a dining room in Kyoto. As she observes the beauty of the cherry blossoms outside, Betty reflects on her affection for the culture while feeling increasingly anxious about her upcoming journey to China. The narrative touches on her experiences of feeling uprooted and how her interest in sketching intertwines with her complex emotions about her past life in China. The opening lays the groundwork for the developing interactions between Betty and Jonathan, hinting at deeper romantic possibilities amidst the tensions of travel and cultural shifts.