Book Information
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ISBN-13: 9781400096893 - ISBN-10: 1400096898 Publication Date: 11/22/2005 Pages: 512 |
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Book Reviews of Memoirs of a Geisha
144 Book Reviews submitted by our Members
sorted by voted most helpful
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!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great book--more in depth than the movie, which books always are, but follows very closely. Interesting comparison of times and cultures.
Karen D. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book.I cant believe a man wrote this book.What a great story about a geisha.
I never knew how hard it was to be a geisha and all they had to go through.I recommend this book to all my friends.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. The details are incredible and really draw you into the story. I felt that the story rushed near the end, but overall, it was a very good read.
A. J. C. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a beautifully unique love story.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
According to Arthur Golden's absorbing first novel, the word "geisha" does not mean "prostitute," as Westerners ignorantly assume--it means "artisan" or "artist." To capture the geisha experience in the art of fiction, Golden trained as long and hard as any geisha who must master the arts of music, dance, clever conversation, crafty battle with rival beauties, and cunning seduction of wealthy patrons. After earning degrees in Japanese art and history from Harvard and Columbia--and an M.A. in English--he met a man in Tokyo who was the illegitimate offspring of a renowned businessman and a geisha. This meeting inspired Golden to spend 10 years researching every detail of geisha culture, chiefly relying on the geisha Mineko Iwasaki, who spent years charming the very rich and famous.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is basically a book about "Geishas" in China. It has recently been made into a movie. Very good Book.
R. E. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Had read that the movie was receiving mixed ratings and that reading the book first made the movie more enjoyable. Also read that the book was the better of the two.
I purchased the book, then, and for one reason or another, couldn't get back to it. I just completed reading it and it was GREAT! I certainly am glad I read it and found it very absorbing. I would NOT have wanted to have missed reading this book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Memoirs of a Geisha" is in some ways a huge cultural leap for those of us who don't know the culture. In other ways, the ways men treat women in this book is not so foreign. I loved it and hadn't expected to - you end up with an unanticipated understanding of the appeals of this lifestyle.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I have never read such an interesting book about the life of the geisha in earlier times. The book takes place before and after World War II. The author did an excellent job of intertwining what was going on in the world at the time and how it somehow all relates, even to the geisha.
Valerie P. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent book! I decided to read it before seeing the movie...and now am excited to see how the movie follows the storyline. I am so glad I read this book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I hate to say it, because I've heard so many really good reviews about this book. Made me look forward to reading it.
But the fact is, I really didn't like it at all. The author was good with descriptions. I was able to imagine what I was reading. But it was just so sad. I honestly can't say I found any light moments throughout the whole thing. Even the ending left me hanging about something (I won't say what. don't want to ruin it for others).
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The book is partly historical, part fairy tale. It's about a world where appearances are paramount; where women are trained to bequile the most powerful; virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder, and where love is scorned as illusion. This book is romantic, erotic, suspenseful - and completely unforgettable. It draws you in from the very first page.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is definitely one of the best books I have EVER read. Fantastic imagery, interesting characters, great plot - could be nonfiction. I would have totally believed it! I can't wait to see the movie now! (although, I'm sure it won't compare to the book...)
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.
I loved this book. It was a great story of love, loss, and survival. You can't but love even her nemisis.
FANTASTIC read that captured me from the beginning and drew me right into the story. You have to read the book and see the movie. This is a fictional account based on actual fact and custom of Geisha lifesyle. I can't reccommend this book enough to readers interested in this line of reading-heritage, custom, women's fiction, history, it has it ALL!!
I had heard so many good things about this book but was never really interested in reading it, until I got a few chapters in. It's really good! You want to sympathize with Chiyo as the goes through so many things. And you want to hurt those who mess with her and betray her. Some of the names were a little diffeicult to grasp because they are so different than American names, but it's who they are. Some things the author seems to drag on about and in the end it finishes up super quickly. The thing that you wait for the entire book happens in about 5 pages. But it's a great book and you'll want to read it any chance you get!
Beth E. (A fascinating look at the life of Geisha that will grab your interest and keep it until the very end. Beautifully written, but never slow-moving.
Jessie W. (Great story. Interesting to learn about the Geisha culture and a great love story.
I loved this book! It was so interesting to read about a different culture. The characters were interesting and I kept wanting to read more. Definitely better than the movie!
Jessie G. (I had heard of Geishas but never really understood their way of life. Golden opened my eyes to this beautiful world which they live and helped me not only understand why they live this way but helped me to respect it. Every culture is different and diverse, each has it's hardships and it's beauty, Geisha lead a complicated, sad lifestyle but it is amazing how strong of women they are to do what they do.
LYNN K. (This was a great book. Very interesting if you want to learn more about the life of a geisha.
I loved this book so much I could not put it down! I have read it twice! It was way better than the movie.
Cori B. (
Lisa N. (I loved this book, very moving and what a strong lady she was.
Sue E. (In Memoirs of a Geisha we enter a world where appearances are paramount-where a girls virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder. Where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men-where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction-at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful and completely unforgettable.
Loved this book the detail was amazing and truly kept my interest. I watched the movie first and then read the book. After reading the book so many things made so much more sense!! I can't wait to watch the movie again to bring the both together again. I highly recommened this book to everyone. I originally was not interested in this book until 2 of my friends said it was wonderful and they were completely right. Happy reading.
Cindy M. ("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."
If you liked the movie you'll LOVE the book.
You can almost step into her shoes it is so well written.
I really loved this book. It is a well told story. It is a book that describes things so well you feel like you are there. Read this before seeing the movie!
Stephanie S. (Very interesting. Slightly long but pretty good
Golden's is some of the most beautiful prose I've read. His characters are endearing and fascinating. I could not put this down.
Bonnie (Good reading the story went nowhere , frustrating!
Jessica L. (I was very dissappointed to discover that this story was not true, as I had first assumed. It was wonderfully written, and I fell in love with the main character very quickly. It also heightened my love of japanese culture -- and the descriptions of the war were so vivid, you would almost think it was still happening today!
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.
Delightful insite to the world of Geisha. A must read. Now I need to go see the movie.
I loved this book! Wouldn't watch the movie until I had completed it. The movie is no where near as good (as they usually aren't).
After reading this book I knew I did not want to see the movie; however, it is a terrific glimpse into the culture of the geisha.
5 stars-I read the book, then tried to watch the movie and the movie didn't compare-it didn't do the book's details justice. I highly recommend... you'll be transported to Japan with the author's beautiful descriptions.
I loved this book. Even called in sick to work one day so I could stay home and finish it.
Loved this book. So different than my usual reading. I in depth view into the life of a Geisha...a must read for anyone...beautifully written.
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount: where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidders; 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, suspensul-and completely unforgettable.
I was pulled into this book from the first page and had trouble putting it down until the final page. An excellent read and made me want to search for information on Geishas when I finished.
Awsome awsome book!!! Much better than the movie and more detailed.
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 trimphant work of fiction at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful and completely unforgettable.
At first I didn't know if I wanted to read this book, as the early events in the narrative are so heartbreaking. But as I continued reading, the tenacity and resiliancy of the main character kept me hanging on! I couldn't put it down. It is a gripping look into another world... and made me glad to be a 20th and 21st century American woman, to say the least. This one deserves to be a classic, alongside books like DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL (Anne Frank) and other books that open a door to another place, another time, and the women who lived 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.
Ethel I. (
Jennie B. (An enchanting, intriguing read. Well-researched, with lots of historical detail, yet full of heart. Beautifully written. Recommended!
Great book! Now I would like to see the movie to see if it is as good!
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 woman 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.
I couldnt put this book down. Bneautifuly written , seems so real u can seen and feel the textures of the kimonos.
Saw the movie first; loved the book even more. Fascinating personal look at the mysterious world of Geisha women around World War II.
I absolutely loved this book. It was breathtaking in its imagery. It's hard to imagine such a novel with such insight into a teenage girl's mind can be written by a man. Bravo!
Wonderful book! Much better than the movie. Just couldn't put it down!
Fascinating. A look into a different culture and the universal drive of people to survive and succeed.
I just loved this book.. the extreme detail you get is amazing!! was a great page turner from beginning to end for me!!
"Memoirs of a Geisha" is in some ways a huge cultural leap for those of us who don't know the culture. In other ways, the ways men treat women in this book is not so foreign. I loved it and hadn't expected to - you end up with an unanticipated understanding of the appeals of this lifestyle.
Absolutely riveting - I could not put it down. Excellent.
I enjoyed the story very much! Parts of it were hard to follow, but then, it was not written in the style or content that I am used to reading. Haven't seen the movie, so only going on what I learned from the book.
Fascinating reading of a culture very different from ours. I really enjoyed reading about a geisha's life and the hardships they had to endure.
A bit hard to get into at first but a very interesting and exotic read.
A. G. (
Lisa P. (I LOVED this book. I can't wait to go rent the movie.
Kikuyo C. (Just finished it. Read it in one day. Great book. Can't wait to see the movie now.
Dana W. (A beautiful, poignant story...written in a superb manner. I thouroughly enjoyed this read!
This book is truly beautifully written. It is a love story combined with rich historical detail of a geisha's life. I loved it! Would recommend to anybody.
I LOVE THIS BOOK, A TRUE LOVE STORY AND ALSO SHOWING JAPAN A THE TRUE LIVE OF THE GEISHA'S ON THAT ERA. IF YOU READY THIS YOU WILL LOVE IT TOO.
an absolutely marvelous book - it kept me reading all the way through the very last pages - - - I couldn't put it down, I didn't want it to be over!
Loved this one. Couldnt' put it down, or out of my mind once I'd finished it.
This was one of the best books I've ever read. I couldn't put it down.
If you're interested in the Japanese culture, lifestyle and mindset, you're going to enjoy this book. I loved it.
April D. (Incredible reading that brings you completely into the world of a Geisha. Fascinating and hard to put down.
Wonderful book. Very interesting insight into the world of the Geisha.
What a wonderful account of the life of a traditional Japanese geisha. I read all 500 pages in 2 days. Very impressive and a definite must-read! This is definitely added to my All-Time Favorites List!
I was hooked from the first page! Amazing glimpse into a little know society/tradition.
i loved this book, i couldnt put it down till it was done. this book isnt one that wastes your time with the ending left undone, it closes nicely
Excellent book, great writing. This is a book that gets you thinking and keeps you engaged with the main characters.
Ann D. (It immerses the reader in an exotic world. Impressive and unusual details of geisha life.
I loved this book and still cant believe that it was written by a man. It is an amazing story.
"I wasn't born and raised to be a Kyoto geisha....I'm a fisherman's daughter from a little town called Yoroido on the Sea of Japan." How nine-year-old Chiyo, sold with her sister into slavery by their father after their mother's death, becomes Sayuri, the beautiful geisha accomplished in the art of entertaining men, is the focus of this fascinating first novel. Narrating her life story from her elegant suite in the Waldorf Astoria, Sayuri tells of her traumatic arrival at the Nitta okiya (a geisha house), where she endures harsh treatment from Granny and Mother, the greedy owners, and from Hatsumomo, the sadistically cruel head geisha. But Sayuri's chance meeting with the Chairman, who shows her kindness, makes her determined to become a geisha. Under the tutelage of the renowned Mameha, she becomes a leading geisha of the 1930s and 1940s. After the book's compelling first half, the second half is a bit flat and overlong. Still, Golden, with degrees in Japanese art and history, has brilliantly revealed the culture and traditions of an exotic world, closed to most Westerners.
Fascinating book-- this is the book the movie is based on. It is beautifully written.
Have not read as a friend gave it to me to post if I wanted. Friend was disappointed in, so I decided not to bother!
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