Helpful Score: 28
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!
Helpful Score: 6
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!
Somehow I managed to not read it for the first 10 years since it was published!
Helpful Score: 5
I really loved this.... The narrator did an excellent job with this story... really lured you in and made you feel like you were there and part of the story... In the beginning the main character says she is going to explain about the day that "was the best day of her life as well as the worst" and then she goes into her personal accounts of the competition, glamour, and heartbreak that is you experience once you give your life over to becoming a geisha. I was really rooting for the main character throughout her story (beginning when she was just a girl of only 9 years old)--i laughed with her and actually cried with her at times... She really makes you realize that the life of a geisha isnt all glamour and it can actually be quite lonely; however as it is with many things in life even the darkest clouds can have a silver lining...
I knew nothing about Japanese Geisha prior to listening to this story and listened to this on a car ride from MD to NJ (it is only 3 hours long so it isnt as painstakingly long as many audio cds are so its great if you are just commuting to work or good to put on while driving around and running errands)---After finishing the story i must say i was extremly touched by this story and i am fascinated & would like to learn more about the lives of Japanese Geisha. ---Even if this isnt your normal genre of choice, i think most would enjoy this touching story..
I knew nothing about Japanese Geisha prior to listening to this story and listened to this on a car ride from MD to NJ (it is only 3 hours long so it isnt as painstakingly long as many audio cds are so its great if you are just commuting to work or good to put on while driving around and running errands)---After finishing the story i must say i was extremly touched by this story and i am fascinated & would like to learn more about the lives of Japanese Geisha. ---Even if this isnt your normal genre of choice, i think most would enjoy this touching story..
Helpful Score: 5
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!!!
Helpful Score: 4
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.
Helpful Score: 4
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......
Helpful Score: 4
I didn't love it, but I can see how others could. I read it because of Japan's controversy over its publication. It is food for thought, especially for encouraging young women to protect their chastity. The protagonist stands up for nothing, and her life happenings are...worth the read. ;)
Helpful Score: 4
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.
Helpful Score: 4
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.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book, I could hardly put it down! Although fictional, the author got many of the facts from an actual geisha. It makes being a geisha seem so glamorous and dream-like, but then makes you pity them in ways as well.
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent book! The language is vivid and the characters really draw you in.
Helpful Score: 3
Fascinating and thought provoking look at a very different culture. I just tore through it!
Helpful Score: 3
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.
Helpful Score: 3
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.
i look forward to seeing how the movie stacks up.
Helpful Score: 3
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 2
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.
Helpful Score: 2
Great book--more in depth than the movie, which books always are, but follows very closely. Interesting comparison of times and cultures.
Helpful Score: 2
I've read reviews that say anyone who is familiar with the Japanese will find this book to be an oversimplification and exaggeration of Geisha culture. I feel sorry for those people.
This novel has voice from the very beginning. I was want to believe that this was an actual recounting of a woman's life. Golden paints a breathtaking and delicate portrait with his geisha. The language and imagery are beautiful, the story is touching. There was not one page that I was not engrossed by Sayuri's life, her struggle, her tradition.
The reason I picked up the book was because I was so enticed by the movie. However, the book provides subtlety and detail that cannot be translated onto the screen. (Though, both are amazing pieces of work in their own right.)
Bravo, Golden.
This novel has voice from the very beginning. I was want to believe that this was an actual recounting of a woman's life. Golden paints a breathtaking and delicate portrait with his geisha. The language and imagery are beautiful, the story is touching. There was not one page that I was not engrossed by Sayuri's life, her struggle, her tradition.
The reason I picked up the book was because I was so enticed by the movie. However, the book provides subtlety and detail that cannot be translated onto the screen. (Though, both are amazing pieces of work in their own right.)
Bravo, Golden.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was amazing! it took me only 3 days to read, once I started, I couldn't stop reading it! All the characters reminded me of someone I knew, and it really drew me into the book.
Definatley recommend this book to a friend!
Definatley recommend this book to a friend!
Helpful Score: 2
Sayuri is a geisha and this is her story. Told in first person, Sayuri begins her memoirs telling us about her childhood as a younger sister. She is a elderly fisherman's daughter and has an dying mother. Abruptly, she and her sister are taken away by strangers. She has been sold into slavery and now belongs to a geisha house. The novel takes the reader on an endearing journey through this child's life and training as she becomes of one of Japan's most famous geisha. This is an authentic novel that takes the reader into the Japanese culture of servitude and respect while showing the greed and jealousy that exists within this exotic world of the geisha. The book reads almost like a diary and I would call it an historical novel....not quite romance. Sayuri's story will take you into the Gion district of Koyoto, Japan. She will disclose her deepest desires, her dreams and her seductions. A fascinating story!
Helpful Score: 2
One of the best books I've read!
Helpful Score: 2
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 2
I can't say enough about this book. Beautiful story and I was very intrigued with the culture and what I learned about the lifestyle of Geishas. This is a great book. I was doubtful that it would hold my interest so I am glad I gave it a try. It definitely has become one of my favorites.
Helpful Score: 2
I love books that totally take me to a different place or time or both. This one did.
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. Although this is a work of fiction, you\'d swear it was a true story. I became bonded with the characters immediately. Some I loved, others I hated. Made for a good read!
Helpful Score: 2
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.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was very good. Much better than the movie!
Helpful Score: 2
I was so surprised by this book. It really affected me. It definitely deserves its place on the 101 Books to Read Before You Die list.
Helpful Score: 2
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)
Helpful Score: 2
Now this is what I call a book! A very well-written story bringing the reader into an exotic locale and lifestyle with a believability and grace missing in so many novels written nowadays.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. It was a beautifully unique love story.
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't put this book down--I read it in 1 and half days.....
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderfully descriptive and almost flowery writing. I would certainly recommend this book to get lost in.
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating read, very descriptive writing. Would recommend.
Helpful Score: 1
This is basically a book about "Geishas" in China. It has recently been made into a movie. Very good Book.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this a number of years and just loved it. Carefully written, beautiful story.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent historical fiction. One of my favorites.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an early edition of the book that the movie is based on.
It's an utterly compelling read, interesting for it's cultural details as much as for the storytelling and the drama that unfolds in this young woman's life.
It's an utterly compelling read, interesting for it's cultural details as much as for the storytelling and the drama that unfolds in this young woman's life.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books of all time. It is so well written that I couldn't put it down. The visualization of what it was like to live at that time is terrific.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed the personal story of the main character and the history lesson along with the Japanese culture.
Anonymous reviewed Memoirs of a Geisha on
Helpful Score: 1
This is a heart wrenching story about the life of the life of a young Japanese girl. It combines the elements of a historical novel with exotic romance.
Helpful Score: 1
I have read this book at least a half a dozen times over the last several years. It continues to be a great read. Full of cultural details and richly developed characters.
Helpful Score: 1
The story is well researched and as result it is easy to get lost in the life of the geisha and begin to empathize with the character. It is well written and I found it hard to put down the book to go about life.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book that really engages you into a different time & culture.
loved it. Saw the movie first then read the book. Enjoyed seeing the structure of the female run business...the myth and truth of geisha as well as the bitter sweet story.
Helpful Score: 1
In Memoirs of a Geisha. we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the hightest 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 unforgetable...
If you saw the movie, you must read the book..I recommend it highly..
If you saw the movie, you must read the book..I recommend it highly..
Helpful Score: 1
100000000000000000000 times better than the movie!!!! totally read this book, then watch the movie!!!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! I read it years ago when it first came out. Of course the movie didn't do it justice, but I loved that too. Very interesting page turner about the life of a Geisha.
Helpful Score: 1
Enchanting! This is the best book I've read in a very long time... one of my new favorites.... I can't believe it took me this long to sit down with it, but I couldn't be more happy I did.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was terrific and I couldnt believe a man wrote it because he gets into telling the story from the womens point of view.I liked this book so much I told my sister to read it and she also said it was great.I liked learning also about a life as a geisha in that time period. Very fascinating.What a hard life.
Helpful Score: 1
Since I was overseas(Japan) for 4 years.You are not aware that it is still happening in this time of age/era...
Helpful Score: 1
In my opinion one of the greatest books ever!! This book is 100% a must read, and probably one you'll end up reading time and time again. The story transports you to a different time and place, it will break your heart and warm it all at the same time.
Helpful Score: 1
Beautifully written novel about the life of a geisha. The descriptions really brought you into the novel, though I felt the ending was almost a little abrupt.
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely Delightful.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Helpful Score: 1
Although I somewhat enjoyed the movie, i couldn't get into this book at all... It is very tedious and boring. It was too wordy for me and it didn't get straight to the point. Even with watching the movie I don't quite understand the story.
Helpful Score: 1
I am already a fan of Japanese culture and I really liked the movie so I was expecting to love this book. I did. I loved every minute of it, but not for the reasons I thought. Arthur Golden disappears when you start this book. You really believe he sat down with an old geisha and wrote her story as she dictated it. There are much more layers to the story than in the movie that make it all the more endearing. Take a look!
Helpful Score: 1
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...)
Helpful Score: 1
This book had been sitting on my shelf for a LONG time and it periodically catches my attention so I finally decided to listen to its plaintive cries and read it. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed after all the rave reviews and hype about it. It took me awhile to get into it, but the middle portion of the book was quite spell-binding. The book was admittedly beautifully written, but for me the downfall of the book was the ending. I felt it fell somewhat flat and was more than a little predictable and wishy-washy.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderfully detailed story. Engrossing and thought-provoking. - I can't wait to discuss this book with my book club.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was amazing- I couldn't put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It is entirely believable. It is very well researched and gives much insight into the life of the Geisha in the early to mid-20th century and the lives they led and how they were a part of Japanese society. Without intending to do so, it also gave the picture of how women were treated in society at that time. I had to keep reminding myself that this was written by a man as the writer got into the minds of the women. The characters became real people for me and the book was very readable. I didn't think that I would have enjoyed it so much. Highly recommend it!
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Helpful Score: 1
This story was easy to get into- definitely took me to a new place- lots of great visuals too.
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. It grabs you from the first page and when it ends you wish it didn't. Beautiful poignant story of a small girl who becomes a Geisha. Story follows her whole life. Just beautiful.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderfully written, completely enjoyable. This was a very quick read for me. The movie was surprisingly true to the book. Of course, the book offers much more detail and it's definitely worth the read!
Helpful Score: 1
Sayuri's struggle to navigate through her world is beautiful to witness. Despite all the adversities, she perseveres and in some instances, even triumphs. "Memoirs" is a life-affirming book full of historical details and emotional moments
Helpful Score: 1
I know this book received absolutely wonderful reviews, but I just found it very sad. Despite what the main character has said she was a high priced prostitute. Perhaps the only difference between a prostitute and the Geisha is that the Geisha makes her job look like an art and the fewer the customers the better!
The norm: A little girl from a poor fishing family whose mother dies and a few years later her father too. Being the younger, prettier sister she is given the opportunity to become a Geisha. You can probably guess what happened to her older, supposedly
"less" sister. As the reader we follow the younger sister only, which is not bad until the realization comes over you that she was practically sold into slavery...
I don't want to spoil the ending, but I'm sure many already know it!
The norm: A little girl from a poor fishing family whose mother dies and a few years later her father too. Being the younger, prettier sister she is given the opportunity to become a Geisha. You can probably guess what happened to her older, supposedly
"less" sister. As the reader we follow the younger sister only, which is not bad until the realization comes over you that she was practically sold into slavery...
I don't want to spoil the ending, but I'm sure many already know it!
Helpful Score: 1
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an outstanding story and an amazing look inside the world of geisha - something quite foreign to our culture. I had trouble putting it down.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was definately a 5 star book. The imagery was amazing and the story line really kept me reeled in.
Helpful Score: 1
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).
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).
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this was a very nice and emotional story... I know it had come out into a movie... that I have not seen... but, this book was very detailed based on truth and a very hard life. dg
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book, beautifully written. Much like the Japenese culture itself, this book subtly reveals its charms. A fascinating journey to a time, place and lifestyle few Westerners ever know. The level of detail is astounding, but never overwhelming.
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the great ones! Wonderful descriptions, I really felt taht I was experiencing the story with this young woman, what an amazing journey her life was. A must read!
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Helpful Score: 1
If you haven't read this yet, don't wait. Wonderful rich story, great characters and details. Makes you wish you were there at that time.
Helpful Score: 1
The writing is amazing. More than just the flow of it, it's the pacing and the movement through time as the book progresses with the life of the narrator. Nothing drags, everything is so interesting, even the parts where the storyteller is a child (often the least interesting in a book for me), is riveting and strange and shocking at times. It does not read like anything I can really describe, it reads as if you are looking at a picture and watching what is going on. The narrator speaks like a person who is not used to the traditional way of phrasing sentences, but instead uses pictures to convey meaning instead of just description. You feel as though you understand everything that is going on while it is happening in the book, you understand all the storyteller is feeling and seeing. Not only that, but it is a fascinating story about a completely foreign culture and customs unlike anything we've ever experienced here. I can't think of anything to say that hasn't been said by the other reviewers, except that you will not be bored, and whether you are disgusted or angered or intrigued by the treatment of the characters in this book, you will have a new understanding for a time completely outside of anything you've ever known.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Excellent book, great writing. This is a book that gets you thinking and keeps you engaged with the main characters.
A classic and wonderful look into the exotic world of a geisha. I was mesmorized and taken away into another world with these "true confessions" of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha. Loved it.
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
A fascinating look into an often misunderstood culture.
I just love this one!
I was hooked from the first page! Amazing glimpse into a little know society/tradition.
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!
Very well written and researched book. Well worth the time to read.
It immerses the reader in an exotic world. Impressive and unusual details of geisha life.
An excellent book, with a wonderful story. I loved it!
It's a fascinating book about Sayuri's life, but near the end it does sort of fizzle out. I still would recommend it, though.
Much, much better than the movie!
I loved this book and still cant believe that it was written by a man. It is an amazing story.
Wonderful book & movie. An must read book.
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.
A great book. Nicley reasearched, loved it!
This novel is enchanting. I have read it once every