Before the adventures of a geisha, I thought being a geisha was very wonderful and attractive. But I didn't know that being a geisha is not a choice, it's a kind of helplessness...

Unlike many people who were tired of the details, for me it was very touching. Because I am generally interested in Eastern culture - except for that horrible look at women and it made me very, very sad. But I wanted to read the descriptions a thousand times and not forget them, and I know that from now on I have forgotten them. But the experience was not repeatable. I read a novel so patiently and carefully and only let go when my mind was free, only when I could focus on its calculation method. I don't like giving time to a book at all. But it seemed that the more I prolonged it, the more it was engraved in my mind. I loved some parts and thought about them for a week. Like the case of Sayuri's sister - who never heard from her again and remained unknown until the end of the story... or the mothers, the personality of the mothers really had an angelic state. How can you find a stranger who gives you so much time so purely? And that too for something that everyone has rejected and has fallen into a state of loneliness?

I even liked Nobu and I really don't understand how the face of a person's first love can be so full of sadness for years - I think fifteen years. In my opinion, there were more motives involved, but because of the traditional clichés and the male-dominated society and the situation of Sayuri... this assumption is conceivable. And the risk he took also scared me a lot. Even when I closed the book and stood up to turn around, my head went dizzy :)) And it was hard for me that because of your love for a friend, apart from the interest he has in you, because of all that love, you betray him again. Although I know that a person in his life, even with the softest moral standards, makes horrible mistakes and I myself have not behaved according to my predictions and guidelines many times. Therefore, this was also understandable.

The end was a very happy end that I didn't like happiness so much. But all the characters passed through my mind and I justified myself with that. Apart from all these, the expression and language of the author were fascinating; with its beautiful images in simplicity without any burden - and I don't know how much the influence of Sayuri played a role - it had attracted me a lot.

Golden earns points for creativity, but loses them for inaccuracy.

The "memoir" of the elegant Sayuri, whose life as a high-class geisha is disrupted by the outbreak of war, is written in an intriguing and alluring monologue. It is purportedly narrated by Sayuri herself to the author, which pulls the reader in from the very beginning. The story seems to unfold in a captivating manner, as if we are privy to the secrets and experiences of this unique world.

Unfortunately, the real narrator, Arthur Golden, took some dramatic liberties with history and cultural practices. The fallacious elements sprinkled throughout detract from a potentially fascinating story. This may not present a major issue to a reader who has no prior knowledge of Japanese culture. However, such a reader should also be warned NOT to take this book as a factual representation of life in Japan.

Additionally, although the narrative starts strong, it loses momentum partway through the story. By the time the inevitable tremors of World War II began to shake the cultural bedrock of Japan, I was already beginning to lose interest in the artificial suspense. The pacing seemed to lag, and the story failed to maintain the initial level of excitement.

Overall, the book is written fairly well, and I can see why some readers would like it. The descriptions are vivid, and the characters are somewhat engaging. But even while I was reading, I couldn't help feeling that I should have enjoyed it more. There was something lacking, perhaps a more accurate portrayal of the historical and cultural context, or a more seamless flow of the narrative.

**(Book 93 From 1001 Books) - Memoirs of A Geisha, Arthur Golden**

Memoirs of a Geisha is a captivating historical novel penned by American author Arthur Golden and published in 1997. Told from the first-person perspective, it weaves the tale of a fictional geisha who plies her trade in Kyoto, Japan, both before and after World War II.

In 1929, nine-year-old Chiyo Sakamoto and her 15-year-old sister, Satsu, are heart-wrenchingly sold by their father to work within the entertainment districts of Kyoto. They are uprooted from their humble home in the coastal fishing village of Yoroido along the Sea of Japan and journey to Kyoto by train. Upon arrival, Chiyo is taken to the Nitta okiya (geisha boarding house) in Gion, while Satsu, deemed less attractive and thus a poor investment, is instead led to a brothel within Kyoto's pleasure district.

Chiyo is ushered inside and introduced to Auntie, Mother (Auntie's adoptive older sister and the matriarch of the house), and Granny, their elderly and cantankerous adoptive mother and the okiya's former "mother". Both Auntie and Mother are strict, yet Auntie shows a kinder side to Chiyo, while Mother is solely driven by money and business. Chiyo is also introduced to Hatsumomo - the premier geisha of the okiya, its main breadwinner, and one of the most renowned, beautiful, and ill-mannered geisha of Gion. Hatsumomo takes an immediate dislike to Chiyo and goes to great lengths to torment her. Auntie warns Chiyo against both angering and trusting Hatsumomo, fully aware of the ill-tempered geisha's true nature.

RTF. I embarked on writing this piece before my trip. I set it aside during the journey and then retrieved it for the long air travel back home. The title can be somewhat misleading as this is clearly a work of fiction and not a non-fiction memoir. However, the structure of the story is presented as a memoir, as related by the main character (MC) to a writer.

I discovered that the Geisha culture pre-WWII was both captivating and repulsive. Regarding the latter, I was unaware that girls were sold to an "agent" with the options of becoming a prostitute, a maid, or a potential geisha-in-training. In any of these situations, it was yet another instance of slavery as many of the girls had no control over their lives.

This story follows 9-year-old Chiyo/Sayuri as she is taken from her home in a small village to the Gion district and placed in a home (okiya) with the potential to become a future Geisha. Chiyo has unique eyes and appears to possess the right bone structure and facial features to achieve success as a Geisha. This potential makes the current Geisha in the Okiya afraid of losing her position in the world, and she is quite cunning and cruel in her attempts to derail Chiyo's path in life. There are several very strong female characters in the story, while most of the male characters are reduced to competing for a particular Geisha's time, attention, and virginity.

Many reviewers criticized the slow pace of the story's unfolding as a negative aspect. However, I believed that it allowed the reader to more fully immerse themselves in the daily lives of the characters, which I greatly appreciated.

The first book I've read about Geisha's was truly remarkable.

I loved it to such an extent that it has not only increased my desire to visit Japan but also deepened my fascination with everything Japanese.

I consider this to be a fantastic book that provides a great insight into the culture. Even though I am aware of the controversy surrounding it and the liberties the author took, it will still remain one of my all-time favorites.

The story within the pages of this book transported me to a different world, filled with the elegance and mystery of the Geisha tradition.

It made me eager to explore Japan and experience its unique culture firsthand.

Despite the criticism, I believe this book has its own charm and value, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

So, there are some who have issues with this book. Interestingly, even the former geisha who provided consultation for it had some concerns, which led to a certain cultural kerfuffle. However, in my opinion, it doesn't really matter. The book is actually quite good. I really liked it. Of course, it's not a comprehensive handbook on feminism. But then again, the title is "Memoirs of a Geisha", not "Memoirs of a Subversive Warrior Lady Light Years Ahead of Her Time". It is what it is, and it offers an interesting perspective on the life of a geisha.

So, overall, I give it two very enthusiastic thumbs up. It makes for fine holiday fun. It's a book that can transport you to a different world and time, and allow you to immerse yourself in the experiences and emotions of the characters. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or just looking for an engaging read, "Memoirs of a Geisha" is definitely worth checking out.

Absolutely beautiful!

This story was so rich and vivid. It paid great attention to personal details, making you almost believe it was a real memoir.

Starting from her childhood as Chiyo, her days as a maid, and finally her transformation into Sayuri and her life as a geisha, it was a remarkable and heartfelt journey. She endured numerous hardships to achieve the best life possible and fulfill her dream. It shows that life doesn't always unfold as we desire and that others' actions can impact our own.

The insights we gain into the secrets of geisha are incredibly fascinating to read about. Even just the general lifestyle of that time period, from the makeup and dressing to their training. How they entertain, the process they have to go through to prepare for an event, the different stages, and so much more.

***This review is not complete, but these are my basic thoughts. More to come...***

I will admit that the big drawback for me was the odd obsessive romance of a 12-year-old girl towards a 45-year-old man that persists over the years. Admiration is one thing, but she really takes it too far.

Overall, it's a great cultural eye-opener. I would love to read other historical novels by this author!

An engrossing historical fiction novel takes us on the journey of a girl named Chiyo, who has extraordinary eyes. She embarks on a path that leads her to become a celebrated geisha named Sayuri. Her life's journey is far from easy, much like water flowing over bumpy rocks. She bravely faces the rapids and eventually reaches the ocean of her dreams.

It is a coming-of-age story intertwined with a romance. Some have compared this book to the fairy tale of Cinderella, but this historical fiction has its own charm and depth. Unlike the fictional Cinderella, the world of the geisha actually existed, with its own unique culture and traditions.

To be a geisha meant excelling in the arts, demonstrating excellence in dance, music, and the art of conversation. It was a way of life, from the way they dressed to the way they carried themselves. As a geisha, Sayuri transports the men she is with to the enchanting world of "Flowers and Willows."

The author did extensive research into the history of the geisha, and the portrayal in "Memoirs of a Geisha" is rather close to the truth, aside from the fictional characters. The whole culture seems exotic and captivating, making this book a true escape into a different world.

The character of Sayuri is adored, and her life's story is a complete circle in the written version, which feels more fulfilling than in the film. The theme of water is developed throughout the book, with Sayuri's blue eyes being attributed to an abundance of water in her soul. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, "Memoirs of a Geisha" is a surprising treat that leaves a lasting impression.

In a poor and remote fishing village, two sisters are sold off and dispatched to Kyoto, thereby commencing an epic tale. An array of distinct characters exert an influence on the life of Chiyo, the younger sister. There is Pumpkin, her age-mate and immediate consoler; the elderly and grumbling Granny; the money-obsessed Mother; and Auntie, a failed geisha with a walking disability. Residing in the geisha house as well are the famous and ill-mannered geisha, Hatsumomo, renowned for her wickedness and dazzling beauty, and most importantly, Mameha, who becomes her future mentor and guardian. All these characters and their actions construct a grand cultural-historical soap opera that extends over decades.

The prose is elegant, and the character development is exquisite. As one reads, one becomes immersed in a world of a different era and location. Given that Japanese culture is extremely intricate, this was no small accomplishment on the part of the author.

Another aspect of the novel examines the phenomenon that in a male-dominated society where women are reduced to slaves and prostitutes, that is, when their livelihood hinges solely on appeasing the opposite sex, they will turn against each other, striving by every means to undermine one another so that they will be the sole ones to hold men's favor. Women can be as venomous and merciless as one can envision when it comes to survival. In this regard, the novel reminds me of the story recounted in "Raise the Red Lantern: Three Novellas," which I did not read but saw the movie.

The main source for Mr. Golden's book was Mineko Iwasaki, a retired geisha he had interviewed for background information while penning the novel. Iwasaki later authored an autobiography that presents a very different portrayal of twentieth-century geisha life than that depicted in Golden's novel "Geisha, a Life."

There has been considerable criticism of the book from Japanese readers regarding insensitivity and inaccuracies in depicting Japanese culture, which may be valid. However, I awarded it 5 stars solely for the reading pleasure. The notion of auctions and geisha selling their virginity has been asserted to be completely false.

This was the author's first, and I believe, his only novel. I surmise he couldn't surpass it and quit while he was ahead. He surely reaped a significant amount of money from it!

This was one of the best-written books I have ever read.

The writing style was truly special. It was so unique and captivating that I struggle to put it into words. It was like a perfect fit, effortlessly transporting me into a fascinating world.

I knew nothing about the Geisha tradition before reading this book, but now I feel like I've learned a great deal. It's extremely evident that the author, Arthur Golden, did extensive research and has a deep appreciation for Japanese culture.

I never would have guessed that I could become so invested in the life of a single girl, who is growing up in a country I have no connection to and living a lifestyle I've never thought much about before.

The exquisite writing style is what truly makes this book shine. Of course, the plot is interesting as well, especially if you're like me and know nothing about the work that goes into becoming a Geisha. However, without Arthur Golden's wonderful storytelling, it would have been only half as good.

He made me feel emotions I wouldn't have otherwise felt. He managed to make even the most mundane things sound exciting and interesting. I must mention that there were some things in the book that I would have found disgusting and appalling in different circumstances. But the author pulled me so far into the story and described things in such a beautiful way that I couldn't bring myself to be angry at anything.

All in all, this was an absolute perfect book for me. If I were to teach a writing class, I would definitely choose this novel as an example of great storytelling. It truly deserves all the hype and acclaim it receives.

We can never flee the misery that is within us.

In 1929, Sakamoto Chiyo was just 9 years old. Out of sheer desperation, her father sold both her and her older sister to a man. This man then took them to Kyoto, where they were to work as entertainers.

Once in Kyoto, Chiyo was separated from her sister and taken to a geisha boarding house. There, she was to be trained and ultimately become a geisha.

The story was told beautifully. However, for me, it had an American feel to it. It was as if the characters in the book were just pretending to be Japanese.

Despite the elaborate language and rich description, there was something crucial lacking: authenticity.

Just imagine if a Chinese author were to write a book about a 20th-century Armenian woman. It might convey the story, but no amount of 'dolma's and'manti's would be sufficient to make it sound genuine.

This brings me to the point that the book couldn't decide if it was fiction or non-fiction.

On one hand, the author claims to be penning the memoirs of a real geisha. This geisha, by the way, specifically asked him not to mention her name in the book. But he did so very unprofessionally and was sued as a result and paid the price eventually.

On the other hand, the facts were changed to such an extent that the story sounded completely fictional. In that case, the author didn't have to mention the geisha's name at all, which would have spared her the distress.

In conclusion, I preferred the movie better.

I read this book way back when it first hit the shelves. At that time, I didn't pen a review for it. You see, when I initially joined GR, I was quite clueless about how everything worked. It took me a while to really understand the ins and outs.

Nowadays, GR members often find themselves bombarded with spam. The latest form of it is review bumping. I was completely unaware of its existence because, well, I'm a bit of a slow learner. I kept noticing the same person's reviews popping up on my thread. It was happening several times a day, all day long, for weeks on end. Finally, someone pointed out to me that they were bumping their reviews. Then I saw numerous status updates from people complaining about how it was driving them crazy.

Now my dear friend Kat has decided to take a stand. She created an awesome little badge to show that we are all fabulous, not just the top reviewers. And my friend Kelly had a great idea. We're going to spread some love. Everyone on GR is Goodreads Fabulous.

Here's my friend Argona's review for this book. Hers is far better than anything I could have written. So go ahead and show her some love. Argona, you are Goodreads Famous, baby! \\n  \\n