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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, Paperback, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio CD (Unabridged), Audio CD (Abridged), Hardcover
Book Description:
An alluring tour de force: a brilliant debut novel told with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism as 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. 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, always elusive, is scorned as illusion.
Sayuri's story begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. Through her eyes, we see the decadent heart of Gion--the geisha district of Kyoto--with its marvelous teahouses and theaters, narrow back alleys, ornate temples, and artists' streets. And 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. But as World War II erupts and the geisha houses are forced to close, Sayuri, with little money and even less food, must reinvent herself all over again to find a rare kind of freedom on her own terms.
Memoirs of a Geisha is a book of nuances and vivid metaphor, of memorable characters rendered with humor and pathos. And though the story is rich with detail and a vast knowledge of history, it is the transparent, seductive voice of Sayuri that the reader remembers.
A dazzling literary achievement of empathy and grace by an extraordinary new writer.
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. 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, always elusive, is scorned as illusion.
Sayuri's story begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. Through her eyes, we see the decadent heart of Gion--the geisha district of Kyoto--with its marvelous teahouses and theaters, narrow back alleys, ornate temples, and artists' streets. And 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. But as World War II erupts and the geisha houses are forced to close, Sayuri, with little money and even less food, must reinvent herself all over again to find a rare kind of freedom on her own terms.
Memoirs of a Geisha is a book of nuances and vivid metaphor, of memorable characters rendered with humor and pathos. And though the story is rich with detail and a vast knowledge of history, it is the transparent, seductive voice of Sayuri that the reader remembers.
A dazzling literary achievement of empathy and grace by an extraordinary new writer.
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Top Member Book Reviews
Joni Z. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
This story is written so beautifully it reads like poetry. A fascinating look into the Geishas of Gion and their world. I could not put this book down, I wanted so badly to find out what happens between Sayuri and the Chairman!!!
Karen F. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I liked this book. I learned a lot about the Japanese culture while reading it, I didn't think it was a page-turner, and it took me longer to read than usual, but overall it is very good.
Karen K. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really enjoyed this book about Sayuri's life in Japan during World War II as she learns to become a geisha. I especially liked her relationships with her mentor Mameha, the scarred businessman Nobu, and her friend, the Chairman.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I lived in Japan for decades and, jumping into the book without realizing it was a work of fiction, found it entirely believable. (This is not true for many books written by westerners about Japan.) The book deserves praise for that reason alone, but it is also a gripping read, and informative, to boot.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fascinating and thought provoking look at a very different culture. I just tore through it!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was very good. Much better than the movie!
Sara D. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Good fictional portrait of the life of a geisha pre-World War II. If you like this try Geisha by Liza Dalby and Geisha, A Life by Iwasaki.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Reading this book was like being thrust into a different dimension. The mores and values were foreign, as is the time frame and culture.
Having said that, I loved being sucked into the world of 1800s geishas. The author never hit a wrong note and I cannot understand how he could have captured the essence of the geisha world so completely.
But don't think the plot doesn't move along. The story is great and his characters very believable.
And NO it's not chick lit, although I think more women than men will find it appealing. Would I read this again? Probably - in a few years.
Janis K. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Arthur Golden brings Sayuri to life and she tells her own story. All he does is just holds the pen! The training and lifestyle of a geisha has never been made real in this manner. This book paints beautifully the culture, the people, the tradions of the time.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of the best books I've read!
Please Rate these Book Reviews
As an otaku, I could sort of tell the differences between fact and fiction with this book. However, when taken with a grain of salt the book is a fantastic story and very compelling read.
Stunning to read, before or after seeing the equally beautiful movie.
The story of a young girl brought to Gion to become a geisha. She is like water and find herself making her way to the very top of the geisha list. A beautiful love story between Saiyuri and the Chairman, i was ready to melt.
Very good book. Some may find the subject matter objectionable; but it is very interesting nonetheless as it is a part of Asian culture. As you may know, a Geisha is a
high end ''male entertainer''. In a culture that gives preference to male offspring, girls are (or were, not sure if it still occurs) often sold as slaves, and the very pretty girls were trained to be Geishas. A Geisha often became a strong influence in politics and culture as they would be involved with very powerful men. You can read the book description for a good synopsis of what this particular character had to endure. I highly recommend the book, very well written.
I've read a lot of books, but this is now one of my favorites. I can't say enough good things about it really. I became lost in this world and didn't want to leave it.
http://libraryhospital.blogspot.com/2008/12/memoirs-of-geisha-by-arthur-golden.html
Carrie B. (I loved this book. It is slow to start and not a real page turner. But, it is a beautiful book. A work of art! Arthur Golden did an amazing job with this book!
Sharon D. (A story of a little girl living in Poverty in Japan, the man who took her away and the experiences and stages in her life that made her the woman she became. I knew nothing about the life of a Geisha. I somehow connected it with prostitution, and did not think I would like this book. It is one of the most beautiful stories I have read in a long time. I've never had much interest in Japan, but I saw it through the eyes of one who lived it day by day, and I was in awe as the story unfolded. I very highly recommend this book.
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