Die Geisha

This article is quite entertaining, yet it also has a certain aspect that made me feel a bit queasy.

Every single thing was written in this fake Asian style, with phrases like "My heart ached like cherry blossom petals floating on the river..." which is just complete nonsense.

It seems as if the author is trying too hard to create a certain atmosphere or evoke a particular emotion, but in doing so, they have resorted to using these cliched and over-the-top expressions that come across as insincere and almost comical.

While there may be some elements of entertainment value in the article, this overuse of faux-Asian language detracts from its overall quality and makes it difficult to take seriously.

Perhaps the author should consider finding a more genuine and original way to convey their ideas and emotions, rather than relying on these tired and hackneyed tropes.

I had often seen "Memoirs of a Geisha" described as the "Perfect Novel" and one of the 100 books one should read before dying. Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high as I anticipated an emotional read that would transport me back in time and enlighten me about the mysteries of Japanese culture during that era. Sadly, while the story was good and well-written, it was too slow-paced and unemotional for me.

I had been eager to read this novel for years. They say "what's for you won't pass you by," and when I found it in a used book shop, I felt it was finally time to take it home. Many of my friends had loved it over the years, and I was truly intrigued by the lives of geisha.

To be honest, I initially thought it was a true story and only realized about 30% into the book that it was a fictional account. The novel tells the story of a fictional geisha working in Kyoto, Japan before, during, and after World War II. I loved the first 100 pages. The story started strong, and the characters and culture were fascinating. I enjoyed the slow pace at first, but then the book seemed to drag and became overly descriptive. I found myself counting pages and wishing it was 100 pages shorter.

I liked the characters at the beginning, but by the end, I was glad to part ways with them. The book does offer a fascinating glimpse into the hidden world of the geisha, which was an aspect I really enjoyed and the reason I rated it 3 stars (meaning I liked it but didn't love it). However, I'm afraid this copy will make its way back to the used book shop, hoping that another reader will have a more enjoyable experience than I did.

This interesting book! I haven't had any contact with books about Asian cultures until now, and I came across this one as a recommendation for a book club. And I can say that I was pleasantly impressed.

The story is about the geisha Sayuri, who, years later, chooses to tell her life story to a good friend, a writer. She recalls her past, starting from childhood when she was just a simple girl living in a fishermen's village. Due to financial and family problems, the girl and her sister will end up in Kyoto. But, because of their beauty, one of the girls will end up in the infamous areas of the city, while Chiyo will have the chance to become a geisha. We will follow her on this transformation, learning some of the secrets of the beautiful geishas.

The first 200 pages went incredibly smoothly, and I was truly fascinated by the story. However, gradually, the story began to seem problematic to me, judging with the mind of a European in our century. It is difficult for me to objectively see some aspects and overlook the fact that those girls ended up maintaining men who could be their fathers, they being minors... It was a moral battle for me to get through some passages.

Unfortunately, I felt disappointed by the end. It was surprising, but rushed and, I dare say, unwanted. I would have liked a different one, which seemed more honest to me, after what I endured for 500 pages. Nevertheless, as I said, being the first book about Asian customs that I read, it was a truly pleasant surprise. (Now I've become curious about the movie too

So.. Memoirs of a Geisha. I had been eager to read this one for an extremely long time. I had heard an abundance of wonderful things about it. It was supposed to be truly awesome, profound, and beautiful, wasn't it?

Wrong. It most definitely wasn't.

The writing was what bothered me the most. It was pretentious and superficial, and excruciatingly slow. It just went on and on and on, and still, very little actually happened. In some strange combination, the writing was both superficial and clichéd. It felt as if Golden thought it would be a great idea to emphasize all the Japan-and-nature clichés to the point of absurdity. I still can't believe how many times he compared something to nature. Ironically, it didn't feel natural at all. It felt forced and strange, and it was extremely annoying, as it slowed down the pacing (which was already dreadfully slow) and frequently interrupted the narrator's flow of thoughts.

Examples? Absolutely. Because I was so sick and tired of reading for the 40th time how something was LIKE a bird or a snake or whatever, I made a list. Enjoy, people.

This is how Sayuri narrates the story. Please notice and enjoy how unnatural this way of thinking sounds :

"I felt as a dam must feel when it's holding back an entire river."

"I felt as sore as a rock must feel when the waterfall has pounded on it all day long."

"My poor scalp felt the way clay must feel after the potter has scored it with a sharp stick."

And it continues :

"Like water bugs kicking along the surface."

"Like the crisp skin of a grilled fish."

"Like a scrap of paper in the wind."

"Like ruts in the bark of a tree."

And on :

"Like a pig trying to survive in a slaughterhouse."

"Like a stray cat on the street without a master to feed it."

"My mind on the eve of my debut was like a garden in which the flowers have only begun to poke their faces up through the soil."

"It was like when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly."

"Out of my element as a pigeon in a nest of falcons."

"Felt as a simple smelt must feel when a silver salmon glides by."

Still not enough? I was hoping you'd say that. Here you go! :

"Like what a workman does to a field using a hoe felt the way clay must feel after the potter has scored it with a sharp stick."

"I felt as the waves of the ocean must feel when clouds have blocked the warmth of the sun."

"As if he were the wind that blew and I were just a cloud carried upon it."

"Like a tree and its roots, or like a shrine and the gate that stands before it."

"With as much difficulty as a hungry child turns away from a plate of food."

"I felt like a slab of tuna the grocer had just delivered."

"I was like a temple bell that resonates long after it has been struck."

"I tried to imagine I was simply a house standing in the rain with the water washing down the front of me."

"Like when a stone is dropped into a pond, the water continues quivering even after the stone has sunk to the bottom."

"Like the tree where the tiger might sharpen its claws."

"Like a fish belly-up on the stream."

"A tree may look as beautiful as ever; but when you notice the insects infesting it, and the tips of the branches that are brown from disease, even the trunk seems to lose some of its magnificence."

"As much a part of her as a song is part of a bird."

"Was as simple as a stone falling toward the ground."

"If you no longer have leaves, or bark, or roots, can you go on calling yourself a tree?"

"Felt toward him just as an ice pick feels toward a block of ice."

"The two of them weren't "spending time together" any more than a squirrel is spending time with the insects that live in the same tree."

"Like the fisherman who hour after hour scoops out fish with his net."

"Like a mouse expecting sympathy from the snake."

"Like rice pouring from a torn sack."

"Expanding just like a river whose waters have begun to swell."

"I was like a child tiptoeing along a precipice overlooking the sea. And yet somehow I hadn't imagined a great wave might come and strike me there, and wash everything away."

"Like a snake that had spotted a mouse."

"Your eyes hang all over him like fur on a dog."

"I began to feel like a tree whose roots had at last broken into the rich, wet soil deep beneath the surface."

"Just as naturally as the leaves fall from the trees."

"Just as a stone must fall toward the earth."

"It was all like a stream that falls over rocky cliffs before it can reach the ocean."

"No more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean."

"Just like watery ink on paper."

So yeah. Just because of that, it couldn't get more than 2 stars for me. It simply couldn't. It was awful to read.

And the characters. *SIGH* What can I say about them? Hatsumomo was just a huge cliché, and so was Pumpkin, and so was The Chairman.

They didn't feel real at all. None of them did. Sayuri especially. So I was supposed to feel something for her, right? Relate to her in some way. That was impossible. I don't know why, but somehow I was able to relate to Chiyo - but not to Sayuri. Even though they're the same person, I couldn't bring myself to care for Sayuri. As soon as she "grows up" (even though she keeps telling her story with the skills of a freakin' 4 year old) so around the time when she becomes a geisha, she becomes insufferable.

And she has this strange sort of fascination for adult men, first M. Tanaka and then The Chairman, and it's just so annoying. Why does she like them? Why?

And, yeah, she was also such a victim. She never did anything to change her condition, she was just this kind of submissive woman who, well, blinks and, I dunno, bows. I know it's the way she's supposed to behave, but still, it's infuriatingly boring to read about such a character. The only thing she ever does for herself is sleeping with The Minister so she doesn't have to undergo Nabu-whathisname as a danna but even that is done with the purpose of eventually being with The Chairman. And who was he, that Chairman? Who was that man we hear about, again and again and again? What's he like? Have they ever had a real conversation? I don't think so. She idealizes him, she never sees him as who he really is, she just keeps wetting holding that stupid handkerchief every night and that annoyed me. It felt childish and strange.

The only character I liked was Mameha, and she's the angel of the story, meaning that you're just supposed to like her because she's, well, perfect, kind, loyal and beautiful, the way Agnes is in David Copperfield or Melanie in Gone With The Wind.

The information about Geishas was nice, I suppose, but I don't know how much of it is true. The war was awfully, awfully boring, and very badly executed.

I think you can tell it was written by an American just by the way the United States are depicted. They atomically bombarded Japan and two of its greatest cities and yet, Sayuri doesn't even blink and say "The American troups were very kind to us and gave candy to the children." Er... Really?

The plot dragged on and on, and I had to struggle to finish the book. The ending felt rushed. I hate, hate it when authors do that. He wrote a whole book about someone's life, and the final chapter is so rushed and it goes like "So that was forty years ago, now I'm seventy and I'm old and I'm gonna tell you what happened in my life between then and now in like, two sentences. So I married the guy I talked so much about, and then we went to live in the USA because that's like ZOMG the best country EVAR! And then he died, and.. Ah yes.. Did we have a kid? Oh, but wouldn't you like to know!.. Well you won't, cause I'm not telling you, neener- neener. Whatever I'm old, and I'm probably gonna die now LIKE A BIRD THAT FLIES AWAY", because what would be the final sentence without a nature-related comparison, huh? Right. I swear, the book probably deserves an award, for like Worst Ending Chapter Ever or something. It made no sense, it gave no real closure.

Everything in this book was just so... flat. It tried to be epic and it tried to be a classic but it failed so badly. The characters weren't well developed, it was obvious that the Good people (Sayuri, Mahema) would triumph over the Bad (Hatsumomo), it was obvious that Sayuri would get her happy ending after all..

See, all throughout the book, I was completely disconnected, I didn't feel anything. I didn't smile, or laugh, I certainly didn't cry. I can't even say I'm angry or that I hate the book - because hatred requires that I care, and I don't. I'm just... indifferent. Bored. Unimpressed. And isn't it the worst state of mind you can possibly be in after you finish a book? Ultimately, it didn't leave a mark.

So the book as a whole was a major disappointment and I'm glad it's over. I just hope the movie might be better - I kept thinking it would be better to watch it, seeing how graphic the descriptions were (of the kimonos, for example). [Edit: So I saw the movie. Meeeh.]

But as a book, it was unconvincing and very flawed.

A Timeless Genre Picture of a Strong Woman

This is a captivating and timeless genre picture that showcases a strong woman who manages to make the best out of truly terrible circumstances. The personal story of the main protagonist is not only extremely well-written but also offers a fresh perspective on Japan's culture and history. Due to the stigmas and prejudices imposed by conservative, misogynic men, one might never have thought of it in this way.

The Asian Way and Prostitution

The Asian way, with its sexist male dominance manifested in various forms and the unique arrangement of prostitution in Japanese culture, has rarely been described with such memorable words, metaphors, and pictures. The strange allure and glamour surrounding it give the disturbing impression that it's not as bad as it truly is, a cognitive bias that's hard to stomach, understand, and put in context with the cultural impact, especially when compared to the different approaches worldwide.

Prostitution by Region and Scandinavian Policies

As is often the case, the Scandinavians have set the best new policies. Their "Neo-abolitionism" makes it illegal for clients to buy sex while not criminalizing the prostitutes. This is an important step away from victim blaming and slut shaming, towards a more enlightened society. Critics claim it might increase sexual violence, but perhaps harsher punishments for sexual offenders could be the answer.

Traditions and Culture of Exploitation

Even in the sex business, the stereotypical Asian mentality of calm, silence, mindfulness, and introversion has led to the development of ceremonies, traditions, and elements that couldn't have emerged in other cultures with less emphasis on elegance and aesthetics. While it's still sickening, it does offer women the option to reach a certain status and adds art, culture, and class to the perverted mix.

Talent and Obsession in the Novel

This is one of the greatest fiction novels without fantasy that I've read. It's a rare case where an author's talent meets their lifelong interest in a topic or culture and is distilled into something truly amazing. It's not an exaggeration to say that there might hardly ever be a similar novel with the same intensity in dealing with this theme.

Sociocultural Impact of Prostitution

The question of what's more bigoted - hiding prostitution and making it seem noble or the open, direct Western way - is complex. There's a lot behind it, including misogyny, and it would take a long time to explore all the details. The institutions that have caused and promoted this for millennia are also worthy of examination.

Drugs and Hidden Implications

I'm not sure if there are hidden implications about Western trade traditions, especially regarding how to get bestselling products into the Chinese market. However, it seems possible that there's something deeper lurking in the historical background. Even without overanalyzing, the trope of using someone going insane to start the plot and show how people fall apart is always interesting.

Subjective Insecurity and the Review

This isn't my usual genre, so my impression and subjective review might not meet established rating standards. However, I definitely like this different, character-focused style of storytelling that teaches a lot about foreign cultures. I hope the writer did their research accurately, as some reviewers seem critical. But as an amateur in reading protagonist-focused works, I really enjoyed the show.

Tropes and the Uniqueness of Literature

Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created, and the unique mixture of elements that makes works and genres stand out. The link provided offers more insights into the tropes related to this novel.

I read this many years ago, and yet, it still lingers in my memory. The story haunted me for weeks after I turned the final page.

My perception of a geisha was entirely transformed. These women, despite being trained as hostesses for men, possessed remarkable skills and sharp acumen. It was truly eye-opening to see the depth and complexity of their world.

I deeply appreciated the opportunity to gain such profound insights into a previously unknown facet of Japanese culture. It was like uncovering a hidden treasure trove of traditions and values.

However, what I was completely unprepared for was the emotional impact of the story. It tugged at my heartstrings and left me with a sense of profound sadness and empathy.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese culture or a captivating story that will stay with you long after you've finished. Highly recommend it to all.

Memoirs of a Geisha is the historical fiction that I'm discussing! It's the kind that I truly like. I'm extremely glad that I read it. I really relished learning about Japanese culture during World War II. I'm not certain if it's my favorite read, but it was very enjoyable.

We commence by following a young girl named Chiyo, who is impoverished and from a fishing village. Her mother is ill and on the verge of dying, and her father is old and incapable of taking care of Chiyo and her sister. Both of them are sold; the pretty Chiyo to become a geisha and her older sister to be a prostitute. The sister flees from her brothel, and Chiyo never hears from her again. One immediate thought was how cruel everyone was to Chiyo. Most notably, the house's main geisha, Hatsumomo. She was dreadful, along with Mother and Granny, the owner of the house. The only bright spots are another young girl her age, nicknamed Pumpkin, and a failed geisha known as Aunty. Memoirs of a Geisha is a love story despite all the turmoil that Chiyo, whose name changes to Sayuri after becoming a geisha, endures. As always, I don't want to disclose too much, so I'll halt the synopsis here. Sayuri survives World War II, which isn't as straightforward as one might think, and relocates to New York. All things considered, I believe she had a great life compared to other geishas.

I'm not sure how accurate the story is, but given that geishas are entertainers, I will once again state that I was fully entertained. I was captivated by every detail because if a story is told well, you will most likely enjoy it, even if it's about kimonos and keeping repulsive men company!

A beautiful, sad, evocative, exciting, and intriguing novel that engaged me from start to finish is about a nine-year-old Japanese child named Chiyo Sakamoto. She comes from a poor fishing village and is sold by her ill and poverty-stricken parents into a world where she becomes a slave to the whims of men and more powerful women. Her sister Satsu suffers an even crueler fate, being sold into a brothel and the hellish world of forced prostitution.

Chiyo is a survivor. She uses her wits, savvy, and survival instincts, as well as her pure strength of character, to go from a basic child slave and survive the wicked wiles of the evil supreme Geisha, Hatsumomo, the cruelty of 'Granny' the matriarch, and the greed of 'Mother'.

This is a sad reflection of life for women and children sold or forced into the sex trade, which is still an epidemic today, even in Western countries.

The kindness of the Chairman of a major Japanese corporation and her mentor, the so-called 'elder sister' Geisha Mameha, provides her with some salvation. And her story is truly fascinating.

Always set against the backdrop of the Japan of the times, it shows us the country during both the glory of the 1930s Japanese empire and the deprivations of World War II. The whims of the men who become her Danna, basically her sexual master and patron, add another layer of complexity to her story.

The novel encapsulates the sights, sounds, and smells of the Japan of the time. As we really get into the head of Chiyo, who becomes Sayuri after her deflowering, I found myself anxious for her throughout the novel, feeling her trials and tribulations while also learning from the history and social issues threaded through this excellent bestseller.