Dive into the intriguing world of Pierre Loti, a French naval officer whose unique experiences shaped his literary voice. In Madame Chrysantheme, Loti recounts his brief but profound marriage to a young Japanese woman during his time in Nagasaki, a tale that inspired the iconic Madame Butterfly. His writing, strikingly modern for its era, weaves together vivid, personal descriptions of Nagasaki’s summers with a detached yet insightful portrayal of its people. A sense of ennui and unconventional morality permeates the narrative, offering a captivating glimpse into a cross-cultural romance that challenges societal norms. (Summary by Peter Tucker)