Published in 1915, this book is Onoto Watanna's own account of her incredible life. Born Winnifred Eaton to a Chinese mother and English father, she faced prejudice and limited options in late-1800s America and Canada. So, she created 'Onoto Watanna,' a glamorous Japanese persona. Under this name, she wrote wildly popular romantic novels about Japan, becoming a literary star. This memoir is her looking back, trying to piece together the real woman from behind the character she played for the public.

The Story

The book isn't a straight timeline. It's more like a series of memories and reflections. She writes about her unconventional childhood, her early struggles as a writer, and the dizzying success that came with her pen name. She describes the careful construction of her public image and the private cost of living a fiction. It's the story of an outsider who found a way in, but always wondered about the person she left behind.

Why You Should Read It

This book is fascinating because it feels so modern. Watanna was talking about cultural appropriation, identity performance, and the pressure to 'brand' yourself over a hundred years ago. She’s witty, sharp, and painfully honest about the compromises she made. You're not just reading history; you're getting a front-row seat to the conflicted mind of a woman who was literally writing herself into existence.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves memoirs, early 20th-century history, or stories about fascinating, flawed women. If you enjoyed the themes of identity in works by authors like Nella Larsen or are curious about the real people behind historical headlines, Watanna's 'Me' is a captivating and essential read. It’s a short book that leaves a very long shadow.