The Lady of the Decoration

"The Lady of the Decoration" by Frances Little is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story follows a young widow from Kentucky who embarks on a journey to Japan to teach in a mission school, seeking to rebuild her life after the loss of her husband. The narrative, conveyed through a series of letters to her cousin, captures her reflections on her past, her new experiences, and the struggles of adapting to a foreign culture. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the protagonist, who is apprehensive yet eager about her upcoming voyage to Japan. She grapples with feelings of loss, homesickness, and uncertainty about her future. Her correspondence reveals her internal conflict regarding her past life and the expectations placed upon her as a missionary. As the opening unfolds, she describes her journey on the ship, encounters with fellow passengers, and the challenges she faces while transitioning into her new role in Japan. Through her witty and candid observations, the reader gains insight into her character and the historic context of her experiences as a foreigner navigating a new world.