Well, I finally got around to this one.

And I think I have a good understanding of its fan base and its subsequent literary worth. It was like the "Gone Girl" of the 90's, at least in terms of popularity.

This time, the fairy tale aspect is present, but with "Girl" it seems as if we're more comfortable with the cautionary tale in the 10's. Here, we have a Cinderella-like figure with many suitors after her. The story is absolutely immersive, a real page turner that has as many colors as a used-up coloring book.

I view the geisha in a particular light: like La Marilyn, the geisha are a symbol of tragedy and misplaced youth and beauty.

The plot is masterfully orchestrated in that well-intentioned Great Novel tradition. It's like a unique combination of "Great Expectations" and "The Great Gatsby," as pure as winter's snow, shimmers and attracts the senses like a ruby from some deep Pacific volcano.

Metaphors and similes are used very effectively here, and their dual purpose is clear. It tells the life story in a very non-nebulous manner, in a clear, concise, and not-to-be-misconstrued mode. The words seem authentic enough to evoke an actual geisha, as if she is sitting there with you, telling you her memoirs over a cup of tea.

Also, Hastumomo, in the role of the ugly stepsister, is an adversary from hell. She's a great character! It's too bad she leaves the narrative at a too-crucial juncture. The anticlimax means that anything that didn't fit into the societal standards is immediately displaced from the board, which is kind of lame.

She is a worthy nemesis to our heroine, as voracious for fresh meat as a Great White. The feud between them two is the centerpiece of this Fanny Hill-like tale, this enormously feminist (?) text. For in Gion, Japan, the geisha are treated like many women have been throughout history, like objects, pawns, or even disembodied ideas.

Allowing for the author's remarkable creativity, this book stands as a truly brilliant account of Chio's life, presented in her very own words. From the very first page, I found myself instantly drawn into her captivating story, which unfolds as a deeply moving and thought-provoking memoir. The way it is told is such that as you, the reader, embark on this literary journey, you can almost tangibly feel every single emotion that Chio experiences. It takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from the depths of overwhelming sadness and paralyzing fear, all the way to the heights of tears of joy and pure elation. I have to say that I loved absolutely everything about this book. The characters are not only interesting but also extremely well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. And the plot? It is nothing short of riveting, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

I read it quite a long time ago.

It is a story that I often mention to my tourists when I guide them through the Gion area in Kyoto.

The beautiful and mysterious Gion has always been a place full of charm and history.

However, this year things are different.

This year I will not tell that story anymore.

Maybe it's because I want to explore new aspects and share different experiences with my tourists.

Moreover, this year I will not wonder in Japan as I used to.

There are various reasons for this, perhaps personal or due to other circumstances.

Nevertheless, I still cherish the memories of the past and the beautiful moments spent in Japan.

And this article is a nice read that reminds me of those times.

It makes me look back and think about the journey I have had.

Although the future may bring changes, I believe that the essence of my love for travel and sharing will remain the same.

“Contándote mi vida, la he vuelto a vivir”; dice la protagonista.

And it also allows us to relive it together with her as readers, thanks to the particular narrative style that the voice of Sayuri offers us, as colorful as it is transparent.

I find it incredible that this book was written by a white Western man. However, I'm pleased that, despite the differences between his culture and that of Japan, he was able to portray a whole fictional life with a disconcerting realism based on historical events and rich documentation from various sources: from books to interviews with women who dedicated themselves to providing their company in the tea houses between the 1930s and 1960s. The dedication and effort he invested in both the story of Sayuri and the research needed to give voice to the geishas, their role in the history of Japan and the world, their own conflicts, and the development of their identity are evident, without falling into stigmatizations or clichés. How refreshing it is to know the story through such a real character, guided by the pen of an author who knows how to do justice to the customs, culture, and female perspective in that context, while also highlighting the impact of the male gaze in the world of the geishas.

Golden did an admirable job and made me feel like a participant in these memories. It's true that there are points where the amount of description can be a bit overwhelming. But if you love stories of this style, with a leisurely pace and that are more enjoyable when read between the lines, it will be worth it, because in the end, you will have experienced one more life: that of Sayuri, her story with “el Presidente," and, in short, the set of big and small coincidences that led her to become a geisha like few others.

P.D.: Now I'm finally going to see the movie

Arthur Golden's "Memoirs of a Geisha" is indeed a beautifully crafted novel that delves into the life of one of Japan's most renowned geisha.

However, I found myself grappling with the authenticity of the immersion into geisha life that the novel claims to offer. While I did enjoy the reading experience, I couldn't help but notice that all the dramatic elements, from Sayuri's transformation into a geisha to the auctioning of her virginity, seemed to neatly fit into a competition between her and her rival, Hatsumomo.

This gave the novel a page-turning quality, which might be a testament to Golden's excellent writing skills. Nevertheless, it also struck me as slightly false. I had to constantly remind myself that it was a work of fiction, as this aspect prevented me from fully accepting the world that the novel had created.

Overall, I would rate "Memoirs of a Geisha" 3.5 stars. It is a captivating read, but its portrayal of geisha life left me with some lingering doubts.

“If you aren't the woman I think you are, then this isn't the world I thought it was.” This quote from the novel seems to encapsulate my own feelings about the story. While it was an interesting exploration of a unique and mysterious world, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

This one is going to be a bit difficult for me to review.

I really enjoyed it, yet it was kind of weird. It was interesting, but at the same time, it was kind of slow. The historical fiction aspect is truly interesting. However, I have come across many reviews that are critical of the actual truth of it all.

The pros are as follows. Firstly, the storytelling is very good. Each chapter is its own short story, which I found easy to read and stay interested in. Secondly, the characters are engaging. I was really invested in them. In fact, I was so invested that I could feel my loathing for one of the bad characters curdling in my very soul. It's usually a good sign when you have such strong feelings towards a character that you want to reach into the book and smack them. Thirdly, the setting and the history are fascinating. It was really interesting to learn about Geisha culture in pre-WWII Japan and how different it is from anything in American history.

The cons are also worth mentioning. Firstly, this one may not be entirely fair as it is probably historically accurate, but the Geisha culture made all the male characters seem like creepers. So, even when there is one you are supposed to like or who is supposed to be a hero, you know that he is all about pre-pubescent, up-and-coming Geisha and hoping to be able to deflower as many as possible. It just kind of skews things a bit. Secondly, it is kind of slow. Even though I thought the storytelling was great, there were a few times where it started to drag and I was eager to move on to the next part of the story. Thirdly, there is an issue with accuracy. Without Goodreads, I would probably never have known this, but it seems there is some question as to the accuracy of the account in this book. Often, other, more reliable titles are suggested. But, was this supposed to be a non-fiction memoir, a story based on some facts surrounding the Geisha culture but equal parts fact and fiction, or just a completely made up story? I am not completely sure, but it should provide some interesting follow-up research.

So, I am going to go with 4 stars because it was an interesting story and despite some slow spots and creepers, it was pretty entertaining. Also, the questions and controversy over its accuracy might actually enhance the entertainment value!

Love and war, the beauty of art and the sorrow of trade in humans, accusing the oldest profession known to history:

The beautiful geishas, as they are called today,

from the truth of the girls of the geisha in Japan!

The geisha were originally the hostesses of the girls who enlivened the parties and etiquette through Japanese traditional songs and dances and playing the "shamisen" and other arts.

It is said that the origin of this art was in the Edo period in the seventeenth century when the working girls in the tea houses in Kyoto who used to serve sweets and tea, imitating the Kabuki theater shows, and now they perform dance and music shows as a kind of welcome to the visitors of Buddhist and Shinto shrines and tourists. And the geisha culture still remains today in several fields, including tourism, where the geisha culture is mainly used in Kyoto, Tokyo, and also in Niigata, Akita, and other regions. But for a long time, their name has been associated with entertainment and the entertainment of the most important men in the country.

They are actually talented teenagers who are adopted to live inside the okiya, which are houses of care and the formation of future geisha girls through receiving lessons in art, dance, painting, and etiquette, in return for taking a percentage of their wages in the future after they become successful geishas.

The story begins by narrating the sad reality of the beautiful girl Nita, whose name will become Sayuri in the future. The poverty of her indebted family and the illness of her mother from which there is no hope of recovery forced her father to sell her and her older sister to a rich man who will take them to live in one of the okiya.

Indeed, the little girl enters and begins her journey of hardships to become a geisha, her multiple relationships, her successes, her failures, and most importantly, her hidden feelings in every situation, most of which are sad and painful, until her only love story suffered a lot to reach living with her lover as a concubine because he was married and he was her family or the danjo as the geisha's lover was called at that time..

A long journey in search of respect and a place in that closed society and proving herself and proving her success as a geisha.

After my research on the history of the geisha in Japan and the reality of this fleeting and secret life, I found that the place of the geisha among women was important and respected, for the successful geisha is the owner of wealth and power that she derives from her danjo or lover or from her many acquaintances, and unfortunately, in more than one source, the geisha girls were like the concubines of the most important businessmen and politicians, especially in the twentieth century.

I really liked the story very much as it immersed me in a world that was unknown to me with many details and a unique narrative style of Japanese culture.

Non si diventa geishe per piacere ma per necessità. These few words, pronounced by one of the protagonists, seem to encapsulate the meaning of this novel. The condition of a woman-object destined for the pure pleasure of men, who, in her state of captivity, strives to seek fragments of the lost and denied freedom. And in the power games with other geishas, she looks for the opportunity to express herself and assert herself that she no longer has. Illusion and necessary self-deception to live a life that could only lead to despair. More or less successful attempts to make one's own an unacceptable lifestyle and delude oneself into thinking that one can still claim a worthy existence.

The life of a geisha is a complex and often tragic one. Forced into this role, they are expected to conform to a set of strict rules and traditions. They must learn to dance, sing, and play musical instruments, all while maintaining an air of mystery and allure. But beneath the glamorous exterior lies a world of pain and sacrifice.

Despite the hardships, many geishas find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work. They form deep bonds with their clients and colleagues, and they take pride in their ability to bring joy and entertainment to others. However, this sense of purpose is often fleeting, and they are constantly faced with the reality of their situation.

In conclusion, the novel about geishas offers a fascinating glimpse into a world that is both beautiful and tragic. It shows us the struggles and sacrifices of these women, as well as their strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

I still hesitate in my opinion.

There is a big difference between the awareness of the life of geisha and the shock to anger. Just imagine with me what the definition of geisha is: "They are simply the confined women in Japan", a well-known social class, or I would say "elite", whose occupations are ranked and their gathering places are offices for registration, ledgers, fees, and each geisha has a reputation that she strives to maintain with certain traditions!!!!!

How ridiculous the matter is, I saw it from a different perspective, where the man is not the only culprit, but also the woman who sees in being a geisha a call to pride and honor, this is what was implanted in her ears and this is what she believed in over the years.

And as for the officer, how confused I am, I did not decide on the length of the story from how "Sayuri" reached her fate as a geisha, because the world is an active and participatory factor in changing people's minds, and "Bombkin" finally came to tell me that we are not always bad by our will, but also that the interpretation of evil varies, so what I do for my own sake, the evil of the world may harm others and they may consider it a sin that cannot be forgiven.

If words have the power to leap off the page and render you completely dumbfounded, then this is the book that you simply must read.

When Chiyo, a young peasant girl, was sold to the Nitta okiya in Kyoto with the hope of one day becoming a geisha, little did she know the vast and uncharted waters her life would soon navigate.

From the cruel treatment she endured at the hands of Hatsumomo, the primary geisha of the house, to finding an unlikely ally in apprentice geisha Mameha, who became like a big sister to her. There were the shamisens, the tea houses, the intricate Japanese dances, and the encounters with various people.

There was Nobu-san, the cold yet kind business man, and finally, the chairman, a man of great compassion and understanding.

Chiyo's journey will lead you through the great depression and World War II, seen through the eyes of someone who experienced a wide range of emotions and circumstances, including great wealth, kindness, longing, the pain of suffering, loss, friendship, betrayal, and extreme poverty.

As you read, you will get to know Sayuri (formerly known as Chiyo) on a deeply personal level. It is truly an excellent read that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.

The quotes further enhance the beauty and depth of the story. For example, "I knew he noticed the trees, and the mud, and the children in the street, but I had no reason to believe he'd ever noticed me." This shows the sense of insignificance and longing that Chiyo often felt.

Another quote, "She may have been cruel as a spider, but she was more lovely chewing on her fingernail than most geisha looked posing for a photograph," gives a vivid description of Hatsumomo's complex character.

The story is filled with such powerful and thought-provoking quotes that add to its overall charm and appeal.

**The Book Report**

The politics within the okiya, or geisha house, are closely explored through the journey of Chiyo. Sold into slavery by her peasant family, Chiyo transforms into Sayuri, a highly sought-after and renowned geisha in pre-WWII Kyoto. Her arrival at the okiya is far from auspicious, and she quickly experiences the harsh world of all-female rivalries and politics at a great cost. She attempts to flee back to her family but fortunately falls off the roof and breaks her arm. Her friendship with Pumpkin, another slave, begins, leading to events that pit her against Hatsumomo, the lead geisha, and ultimately shape her new identity as Sayuri.

Golden delves into the full world of geisha, including its roots in slavery and unappealing customs like misuage. Sayuri endures numerous hardships, having little say in the men she serves and facing challenges during WWII and its aftermath. By the end, she is a free woman with a life many would envy, sharing her remarkable story of rising from slavery to wealth and position.

**My Review**

This is a quite lovely book to read, beautifully crafted. However, there are some drawbacks. The author dedicates only a few pages to World War Two, which is a significant omission, resulting in a deduction of one star. Additionally, there is an issue with sourcing. Golden used the life of a retired geisha as the basis for his novel, but this led to problems when the woman faced death threats and sued for breach of contract. She later published her memoirs after receiving a settlement for the invasion of her privacy, which left a bad taste. Although Golden didn't do anything blatantly wrong, this greediness cost him half a star. More recently, the last half star vanished when the source, Mineko Iwasaki, painted a very different picture of her life and that of a modern geisha in her memoir. This made the novel seem less accurate in its portrayal of a geisha's life, despite being fiction. The background and rituals of the okiya were the main attractions of the book for me, and the source's contradiction made it lose some of its appeal. At this point, all three stars are awarded solely for Arthur Golden's beautiful sentences.

Instead of simply bashing this book, I would like to quote a post that I came across. It truly encapsulated my thoughts. The post read as follows:

"A Japanese woman shared her past life as a geisha with a white American man. The man then wrote a novel, presenting it as an accurate memoir of the Japanese woman's life. However, he falsified several of her life events, misrepresented her trade, and exoticized her culture. What's more, even though she specifically asked him to keep her anonymous, he named her as a source. As a result, the Japanese woman received death threats, while the white American man became a bestselling author."

"Subsequently, the Japanese woman grew tired of the misrepresentation and decided to write her own memoir to set the record straight. Meanwhile, the white American man's book was adapted into a film that grossed a whopping $162 million and won three Oscars."