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Search - Memoirs of a Geisha
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Memoirs of a Geisha Author: |
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Book Information
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Other Versions of this Book: Paperback, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio CD (Abridged), Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio CD (Unabridged), Hardcover
Book Description:
A literary sensation and runaway bestseller, this brilliant debut novel tells with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha. Speaking to us with the wisdom of age and in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha.
It begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing kimono, elaborate makeup, and hair; pouring sake to reveal just a touch of inner wrist; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it.
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction -- at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful -- and completely unforgettable.
It begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing kimono, elaborate makeup, and hair; pouring sake to reveal just a touch of inner wrist; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it.
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction -- at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful -- and completely unforgettable.
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Top Member Book Reviews
Jane (
26 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book would have gotten 5 stars from me, except that it ended with a fizzle. The opening 2/3 of the book when she's sent to become a Geisha, learns the trade, and the politics within the Geisha house was just fascinating. But toward the end it became tedious and I was finally glad that it ended. Both of my parents read this book as well, and had the same opinion. But this book is still definitely worth a read!
MarySue F. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
I thought this was a remarkable book. The voice of the geisha and the authenticity of the times are consistent throughout the book. I carried it with me to read at odd moments -- something I don't usually do these days with books. The book was completely engaging.
Somehow I managed to not read it for the first 10 years since it was published!
Ivy
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Without a doubt, one of the best books I've ever read. I still have it in my collection and won't part with it.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
A profound look into the world of Geisha. It's written as a memoir though it's a work of fiction. This is a very moving story.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is what historical fiction looks like when it grows up! Of course everyone knows the tie-in with the movie, but the book gives such lyrical detail of these girls and womens lives. Even if you've seen the movie, there's so much more here to know. Prepare to enter another world, one of enchantment but that will definitely take you beyond your comfort zone. It's a love story, a history lesson.....like falling down the rabbit hole into another time and place. The details here are phenomenal. I couldn't put it down, didn't want it to end, cried for the characters, and want to go to Japan. I may just keep this, on second thought......
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
i'm so glad i read this, it's a wonderful book. the imagery, the lifestyle, everything comes to life in this book. the story itself is beautifully written, Sayuri is so real i find myself riding along on her emotional roller coaster. there are so many misconceptions that americans have about geisha -- this book blows them to bits.
i look forward to seeing how the movie stacks up.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent book! The language is vivid and the characters really draw you in.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I love books that totally take me to a different place or time or both. This one did.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden over Christmas break. I really enjoyed reading this book. I saw the movie a couple of years ago and remember enjoying it, even though it got interrupted :( It was kind of nice because I couldn't remember what happened in the end! This was a really fast read - I read most of it on the plane flights to and from Chicago. It's a sad story, but I still enjoyed reading about Japan. I thought this books was really well written and the story keeps you interested throughout. I would totally recommend it (at least to a mature audience - there is quite a bit of sexual content)
Amber J. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It is very interesting to see how the geisha lived (even though it's fiction obviously). The author does a good job of transporting the reader back in to the time of the geisha.
Please Rate these Book Reviews
Golden creates a vivid, sensual world that the reader can hear and see and touch. A beautiful, wrenching story that gives a glimpse into the exotic world of Japanese geisha. A must-read.
This is one of those books that you read and then wish you could get it out of your head. What a colossal waste of time! The geisha tradition is historic and this makes it sound fairly contrived and sleazy.
Audrey wrote on 7/14/2009...loved this book
Excellent, excellent book! It's impossible to believe this book was written by a man. I have always been intrigued by Geisha's... and the history! A must read.
Tricia - Shakopee, MN wrote on 6/25/2009...A look into the world of the geisha, told from a former geisha's point of view.
Susan M. This is a beautiful book. It's a great read!
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well developed. I found myself rooting for them to have the life they long for. It is a bitter sweet read.
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