Memoirs of a Geisha: A Novel Paperback – January 10, 1999

Poetic but oddly disturbing

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October 29, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

When this was published a decade ago, it sounded like an account I wouldn't find compelling. But as a fan of historical fiction, and an admirer of many Asian cultures I decided to wade into the book after hearing how it appealed to both genders, though strangely it was written by a male who was also not Japanese. It is written in a very soft motif with gentle mental imagery. But it also detailed a belief system that was reality but no less perverse in marginalizing women and condoning extreme selfishness, unfaithfulness in marital vows, and an assumed right of wealthy males to pander and drink in youth and beauty though often having little to contribute but money. Men like the minister who was appointed to a key government position but had no hint of personality or clever intellect and is portrayed as crude as a box of hammers, yet was able to be entertained by attractive young women who poured his saki, pretended to find his company enjoyable and even led him to the bathroom whether to relieve himself or to vomit onto the garden from over drinking. Perhaps all cultures have variations of this geisha system, especially "Dana's" who are presently called sugar daddys in contemporary parlance. The characters and portrayed system is a microcosm of the self serving and even crude brutality germaine to flawed humanity, but framed in artificial elegance and dressed is silk kimonos to dignify and justify it. Highly recommended, filled with picturesque life lessons in human nature, dreams of youth colored by naivety, manipulation and bullying to jockey for position, as well as reminding of the temporary nature of all things, but especially of youth, beauty, strength and position.

3 people found this helpful

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February 27, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Recently I watched the movie again, and then read about it, and was intrigued to read a man had written it AND it was his first book. So of course I had to Edward the book. It was even better than the movie. Interesting to me that the geishas voice changed, matured, even as she added years to her life. I was richly blessed by the reading of this book. Thank you, Mr. Golden, for writing it.

6 people found this helpful

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March 8, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Unfortunately, I admit I haven't read this book in twenty or so years and I imagined it reading the same. I couldn't have been more wrong! It's so much more heartbreaking, intriguing and entertaining than when I was younger. There was so much I thought I understood back then that now I appreciate.

6 people found this helpful

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Kanchana Bandara

An Immersive Experience

January 20, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This was the first book selected by the book club I was invited to join at the start of the year. From the first page I was hooked on the beautiful evocative descriptions of people, places and situations. The story is essential the life story of a little girl from a poor fishing village in Japan who finds herself taken to the Trisha district known as Gion , where she overcomes loss of family and the loss of the life of her childhood, and learns the art of being a geisha. We hear the story from Sayuri at the age of 80 years or so, remembering her life and how she came to be where she is today.
As I said the descriptions alone are enough to make this a worthwhile read. But the story itself is also full of schemes and intrigue, and shadowy unknown benefactors that influence the course of the protagonist's life with small actions that have tremendous impact. It is also a story of true love, as well as a story about the strength and struggles of women in Japan . It allows the reader to become part of a different culture and way of being...and of appreciating that the two layers of Japanese culture: the surface story as illustrated by the beauty and grace of the geishas versus the broken, harsh, and grimy circumstances that produce the geishas. All of this combines to give a thoroughly absorbing reading experience that leaves one feeling a little richer inside for having completed the book.
It was a great book to start off my year and I would recommend it to anyone interested in appreciating gender and culture issues from a different perspective., and to any reader who appreciates a well written tale.

One person found this helpful

If you enjoyed the movie, then you will love the book!!!

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Kindle Customer

March 31, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This book was a very easy and quick read. Very detailed, so much so that I felt that I was shadowing a Geisha and entertaining in tea houses. I could smell the fish, feel the water and even feel the silk of the Kimono's. I have always enjoyed the movie and wanted to read the book to see if the book would answer some unanswered questions that the movie did not answer for me (like what happens after Cinderella gets the Prince), and it more than did. (***WARNING SPOILER***) If your a fan of the movie then you must read this book, its a must because the story continues well on after the Chairman becomes her Danna. I also respect the author for giving the positives as well as the negatives on her life with the Chairman as her Danna, because lets face it, the Chairman was married and did have children. If you enjoyed the movie, then trust me, you will more than love the book.

2 people found this helpful

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March 31, 2018

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Not a very good read, in my opinion. Also, some real life geishas have said that this is very inaccurate in many ways. This is fiction, so if you want something realistic, this is NOT the book for you. Look up the lawsuit regarding the book, and maybe choose something better to read.

One person found this helpful

He loves it and I’m Glad. Definitely a great collector book for a book ...

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Better than the movie!

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NGT

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