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Summary: To walk a mile in another's shoes...
Review: This is exactly what the book does for you. It puts you in the shoes (or rather zori) of a little Japanese girl with very rare eyes. But Memoirs of a Geisha isn't just about the events of her life, it pulls the reader in to this post WWII Japanese world as if you're living in it. The characters are so real that you could hardly believe that they are the product of one man's imagination. When there was a joyous event, I was relieved and when things went wrong, I cried, that's how real it was to me.
As Sayuri grew up I was surprised to learn so much about this unique culture and its customs which, until now has remained much a mystery to me. It's so amazing how this simple yet poetic voice that golden has given Sayuri can so vividly bring to life the world around her.
I challenge all adventurers out there to read this book and adventure into Sayuri's world where dreams and freedom are equally out of reach for a woman, and a good life is only obtained after years of hard training and suffering.
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Summary: Saddening yet gracefully written...
Review: As I read Golden's book, I could not help but feel saddened by this woman whose childhood and life were determined for her. My reaction however is one that is culturally-induced as a midwestern woman. This was a beautiful story. It seems as if Sayuri (the main character) told it and wrote it herself. Golden did a fabulous job!I was impressed by the portrayal of Sayuri and her life as one of the most esteemed geishas of her time. Golden disspelled the myths and mental images that I possessed about geishas and made the life almost seem, well, class in some sense. In a very odd, erotic way nonetheless! I was pleased to see that Sayuri's true dreams and feelings were granted respect in the book. It's hard to imagine the life of a geisha determined on behalf of one person by others. As we look at other cultures and ways of life, perhaps as Americans we should not be so quick to judge what is right or wrong in other cultures. Instead, through stories such as this we can learn and reflect cautiously about others. Readings such as this can satisfy our global curiosities with facts versus newspaper fiction.
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Summary: Beautiful except for one tiny detail
Review: Golden has hit the mark on Japanese culture and lifestyle with this book.
The traditional ideas of custom and behavior are perfect.
Suri, the main character, is easy to like and easy to identify with despite cultural differences with the reader.
The only flaw is that the ending is a bit sugary. However, I liked Suri so much that I didn't mind giving her that bit of happiness.
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Summary: A BEAUTIFUL STORY, BUT NOT 100 % JAPANESE!
Review: A friend gave me this book a year ago, knowing that one of my most avid interests is learning of other people's cultures and traditions through reading and travel. "Memoirs of a Geisha" is filled with descriptive images revealed in charismatic tongue. However, like one other reviewer, I must agree the book is not one hundred percent accurate in Japanese culture. The origin of the dogwood tree in Japan, and the fact that in reality it actually does bloom in May, not autumn as one could determine from the book, are minor inaccuracies. However, many of the Japanese sayings do appear to be the words of one who is definitely not Japanese. We should remember this is a work of fiction; the author can portray the characters, events and details any way he chooses and the story, itself, could very well be a reality. From a tiny fishing village to Kyoto, the book depicts the life of a young girl to geisha in vivid and expressive detail. The story is filled with beauty, passion, mystery and intrigue, and dispite it's minor flaws of Japanese detail, it is a still a captivating story and well worth reading.
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Summary: Enthralling, rich and detailed story. Wonderful.
Review: I have to admit, I'd never even been very interested in Oriental culture. This book was recommended to me, and despite excellent reviews, I was hesitant to pick it up. However, I did, and I have been grateful ever since. This is once of the most richly drawn tapestries I have ever encountered. I knew before reading this that geisha were not prostitutes, but I had no idea the lengths that they went to. The extensive schooling, the makeup, the OBI. (I had no idea that the obi was that complicated.) Not to mention the story! Between Hatsumomo and Nobu, I felt as though I were just as upset as Sayuri. I also must commend Arthur Golden for something that I haven't heard in a review as of yet. I had to look at the book jacket picture 3 times before I would allow myself to believe that a man penned such feminine thoughts and experiences. Not to mention the erotic symbolism that I thought only existed in the minds and hearts of women. I don't know whose head he crept into, but he sure took notes well. It's been awhile since I was upset that a book was ending. I flew through the book with such a frenetic pace that I was regretful in the end that I didn't have more time to spend in Gion. A worthy and triumphant first effort.
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Summary: The sad thing about it is . . .
Review: This is the tale of a nine-year-old girl who is sold into slavery, along with her sister. The sad thing about this is, most people don't realize that this type of thing still goes on in certain parts of the world. Arthur Golden has truly given us a "gift" with this great book. First of all, it's a great story, wonderfully told. Secondly, the book could stand alone on just the quality of writing. Thirdly, the book is moving and well paced. These are not qualities that come along every day. Of the many books I read each year, only a handful have this quality. Martel's "The Life of Pi" comes to mind, as does McCrae's "The Bark of the Dogwood." Other than that, not too many manage to marry these qualities into a successful bestseller. If you're looking for an emotional read that actually takes you someplace you've never been (hopefully) this is the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Memoirs of a Geisha
Review: Usually I stick to novels written by John Grisham, but a book talk in my bestsellers class sparked an interest in reading Memoirs of a Geisha. It was different from what I am used to reading, which may account for why I loved this book so much. It was something new to me and it was very interesting to read about a different culture. I enjoyed the writing style of the author. He was very descripitive through similies. His detail was written beautifuly and I found myself not able to put the book down. I enjoyed this book so much that I am looking for another book about Gesiha's or the Japanese culture.
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Summary: Japanese Cinderella?!?
Review: A well written tale, this book shows the core elements of Japanese (Geisha) culture back in World War II time as well as a fascinating tale on one of Japan's most celebrated geisha, Sayuri Nitta. Even though Ms. Sayuri may or may not existed, Golden sure did a great job in describing the events that I could feel the pain, as well as the happiness that Sayuri undergo.
This tale also reminds me of the original disney tale, Cinderella. From a poor girl in a small fishing village in the outskirt of Kyoto, Sayuri, with inspirations from her prince charming, became one of the greatest, most successful Geisha in Japan. So for a little twist from the old Cinderella, read this book and learn about the oriental culture!
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Summary: a bow to good writing
Review: I was THERE with the women. Wonderfully written!
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Story of the Life of a Geisha
Review: I usually don't read books like this one, but after hearing various recommendations for this book, I decided to try it. I was pulled into the story right away. I loved the metaphors the author used, and the story was enthralling. You learn so much about the Japanese culture. The story is about a girl who was kidnapped from her town of Yoroido and sold into "slavery." At her okiya, Chiyo meets a nasty geisha named Hatsumomo. For some reason, Hatsumomo decided that it is her job to make Chiyo's life miserable. She accused Chiyo of accusing jewelry, which of course she didn't, and puts her into a great deal of debt. I don't want to give any more of it away, but Memoirs of a Geisha is a truly amazing book.
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