Chita: A Memory of Last Island
Chita: A Memory of Last Island
Book Brief
Beta80
Novel • Fiction
Louisiana, USA • 1850s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Chita: A Memory of Last Island by Lafcadio Hearn explores the Gulf Coast's 1856 hurricane through the life of a young girl named Chita. The narrative delves into themes of survival, resilience, and nature's power, as Chita's life transforms following the devastating storm that obliterates Last Island, illustrating human fragility and perseverance in the face of disaster.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
184 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Chita: A Memory of Last Island by Lafcadio Hearn is praised for its evocative prose and atmospheric depiction of nature. Readers appreciate the vivid imagery and emotional depth. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the storyline less engaging. Overall, the novella offers a beautiful yet melancholic exploration of human resilience and natural disaster.
Who Should Read Chita: A Memory of Last Island?
Readers who enjoy Chita: A Memory of Last Island by Lafcadio Hearn likely appreciate atmospheric tales blending history and nature. Similar to fans of Kate Chopin's The Awakening, they favor lyrical prose exploring themes of loss and human fragility against the power of nature.
184 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lafcadio Hearn, known for his deep interest in Japanese culture, wrote Chita: A Memory of Last Island based on the real-life devastation caused by the 1856 Last Island Hurricane.
Despite being known for his works on Japan, Hearn wrote Chita: A Memory of Last Island earlier in his career, reflecting his experiences and the multicultural environment of Louisiana.
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Hearn's Chita was first published in 1889 in Harper's Monthly, reflecting the 19th-century trend of serialized storytelling in popular magazines.
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80
Novel • Fiction
Louisiana, USA • 1850s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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