My Japanese Wife: A Japanese Idyl

"My Japanese Wife: A Japanese Idyl" by Clive Holland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a Western man, Cyril, who has fallen in love with a Japanese woman named Mousmé, during his stay in Japan. The narrative captures their courtship, cultural contrasts, and the protagonist's reflections on love and marriage in a foreign land. The opening of this novel introduces us to Cyril's romantic feelings for Mousmé, described as a delicate and enchanting butterfly from Japan. As Cyril interacts with his Japanese friends, he grapples with societal expectations and prejudices regarding marrying a Japanese woman. Through vivid descriptions of their encounters, notably at a tea-house in Nagasaki where they first meet, the reader gains insight into the enchanting landscape of Japan, the intimate cultural nuances, and the whimsical nature of Cyril's affection for Mousmé, setting the stage for the ensuing exploration of their relationship and the intricacies of cross-cultural love.