Memoirs of a Geisha

Rating:
Summary: a Japanese Jane Austen
Review: It wasn't until I read the critics review of Arthur Golden's, "Memoirs of a Geisha", that I was able to understand why I had such a strong sense of deja-vu as I read this incredible novel. Golden's prose and appreciation of social nuances as life changing events are repeatedly compared to the style of Jane Austen. I can only agree. The one thing I find so difficult to believe is that Golden is not a woman! Sayuri's story is eloquent and moving....yet it also takes pleasure in revealing the small things, the rules and mannerisms, of a style of life that has almost disappeared. I found myself rooting for Sayuri's success as a Geisha and was extremely sorry to come to the last page. I look forward to Golden's next attempt with pleasure.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most powerful books one can read in one's life!
Review: I was so engrossed in the life of Sayuri that I lost track of time and missed an appointment. Oh well! It is a book that once you start it you will not be able to put it down until you finish that final page.

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing and stunning tale!
Review: I never thought I would be very interested in the life of a geisha. I was soon entranced and delighted by this wonderful, engrossing novel. The fact that it is written by a man in the first person of a woman is just a hoot.

Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable!
Review: The characters were wonderfully drawn. Golden had excellent insights into his female characters. His male perspective was apparent only a few times. He educates us about the gheshia culture while providing interesting characters and a good story.

Rating:
Summary: A Trip through Gion
Review: I have lived in Japan for seven years and visited Kyoto and the Gion district and Golden brought to life the Geisha district. You really are able to picture all the characters and Tea Houses that he talks about in the book. It was a book that I didn't want to end and like some of the other reviews, I had trouble believing that what I was reading was fiction. If you live here it is a MUST read. If you are interested in Japan or Geisha then it is well worth the cost. Buy it you will love it.

Rating:
Summary: An insiders peak in to a mysterious and fascinating world.
Review: I truly could not put this book down. It kept me up later than I care to admit. The story of Sayuri's life was so fascinating that I forgot it was fiction and actually told someone that it was a biography. Japanese culture has often seemed mysterious and fascinating, Arthur Golden's book has just re-enforced it. Sorry I'm finished reading it, thrilled it will be made in to a movie!!!

Rating:
Summary: Loved it so much I bought it on tape...Big mistake!
Review: I picked this book up at the aiport hoping it would amuse me for my four hour flight. Little did I know it would take me on a journey far beyond my original destination, to a world I could never have imagined and won't soon forget. I so enjoyed the book that I bought it on tape so I could play it for my mother on a cross country drive. I was extremely disappointed that the tape cut much of the important details of the story and the subtle prose that made the characters come to life. Read it, don't listen to it, it is a remarkable trip!

Rating:
Summary: Facinating, educational, and entertaining all at once.
Review: I loved this book. An absorbing story outlining the life of a young girl groomed for a life of servitude. A dramatic account of her struggle to survive and succeed.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: From the very first page it was difficult for me to believe that this book was fiction. I could almost hear Sayuri speak! I wanted so much to read for endless hours and was thrilled. I am anxious to read the next book authored by Golden.

Rating:
Summary: Started out as a 10 but gradually became a 7.
Review: The best way to describe this book is to say that it ran out of steam toward the end. Golden's research on the life of geisha is terrific. But after the book shifts into post WW II Japan, it tails off. Sayuri was delightful when we meet her and watched her grow up, but then she sort of melted into a character with no soul toward the end. Still, a fine read for those who want to see the world of geisha.