Rating: 
Summary: Good read, not fantasic.
Review: This is the story of Sayuri, a geisha in the first half of the 20th century. It details her life from a moment when she is sold as a young girl well into old age. It documents hardships, love, and spiritual triumphs. A beautiful story, really. For the most part, Arthur Golden's style seems smooth and thorough. There are spots in the book, however, that simply seemed to deserve more attentioon than was given. This especially applies to the ending. For such a complex and emotional book, Golden seemed to be in quite a hurry to get the ending over with. It left me unsatisfied, but the book still shines for a first novel. Hopefully, his writing will continue to blossom.
Rating: 
Summary: A Heart for Japan
Review: If you have a heart for Japan, this is a good read. Having lived in Japan 1996, I came to appreciate the beauty of this culture. Kyoto, the setting of the book, is a remarkable place. The author, Golden knows his stuff and presents it in a gentle, thoughtful way. He narrates well and makes you want to be there. On my last trip to Japan, I included Kyoto on my itinerary. It was a good decision.
Rating:
Summary: This book sticks with you
Review: After much procrastination I finally read 'Memoirs of a Geisha". I certainly regret not reading it sooner. I cannot recall reading a book with such an original topic coupled with such vivid story telling. The Author must have spent a painstaking amount of time researching Japan and its culture for this book. I was also impressed by his ability to provide first person narration with a woman as its main character. I thought a Geisha was the equivalent of the American prostitute. I never imagined that in order to become a Geisha one must train extensively in the arts, culture, conversation and customs. In order to become a successful Geisha, one must also possess tremendous wit and ingenuity. The main character Sayuri may have had a number of unfortunate circumstances in her life, yet she refused to become a victim. She maintained poise, strength and determination. With the authors vivid description you often felt either compelled or sometimes repulsed and disgusted. Yet I found myself staying up late and unable to put this book down.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: This is one of my favorite books of all times. I almost want to read it a second time even though I only finished it a few days ago. It really makes you think - you feel as if you are inside the novel. I could not put it down. It is a little slow for the first 10 or so pages but after that I promise you will be glad you picked it up.
Rating:
Summary: Enthralling!
Review: I could not put this book down, and I didn't want to. Very detailed and illustrative. Ending was somewhat abrupt, the last years of her life were condensed into one small chapter. Otherwise is very entertaining and seductive.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, but not perfect
Review: Arthur Golden has managed to fool me with this book; I actually bought it after skimming through the beginning, thinking that it was an actual biography written by a Geisha. That enough should tell you how good this book is, and how talanted Arthur Golden is in writing for a woman, and a Geisha nontheless. However, not all is perfect. The beginning of the book is indeed captivating; You can almost smell the sea, hear the waves, see Chio's old crooked house. You immediately fall in love with the characters, aspecialy with Chio. Everything up untill the point Hatsumomo walks into the story is excellent. But this is one of the few, biggest flaws of the book-- Hatsumomo is a typical villain, with no motives other than "ruining it for the heroin". Quite a disappointment, as the other characters are so well-written, like Chio/Sayuri's best friend, "Pumpkin", who starts off as being light-hearted and amusing but reveals a "dark side" later on, and Mameha, Sayuri's mentor and friend, and , of course, Nobu, who is probably the best character in the book. The book somehow goes downhill after the war ends; some of the characters loose their spark, the story gets a bit dreary. But the worst part is probably the ending. I must agree with the other reviewers here on this-- the ending is overly cliche', mushy and unrealistic. Other than that, it is very informative on customs of Japan. Arthur did his research well and gives up an accurate view on the life of a Japanese Geisha. Is the book worth it? If you're interested in Japan, Geisha's and culture, you must have it. If you're interested in being captivated by a very good novel for a while, you should probably read it. It's probably not for everyone, but I liked it a lot and I did recommend it to my friends.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This book transported me into another world! I felt like I was walking down the streets of Kyoto with my hair done up, wearing an extravagant kimono. I felt the pain that Sayuri suffered. This book was truely amazing.
Rating:
Summary: Like stepping into a moving painting!
Review: Arthur Golden's "Memoirs of a Geisha" is absolutely beliavable and beautiful from the first page until the last. Everytime I picked up this book I felt immeditaley transported to the geisha's world. Everytime I put the book down I needed a few minutes to readjust to my proper surroundings. Truly a magnificient book.
Rating:
Summary: interesting
Review: As I read this book I realized how ignorant I've been both in regard to Geisha culture as well as the intricate workings of Japanese society.
Rating:
Summary: Pleasant Fiction
Review: Suspend disbelief and accept this as a work of fiction, and you have a good story. Colorful depictions and an interesting plot hold your interest. I question whether a non-Japanese male can really creep into the consciousness of a Geisha. I found the male perspective peeking through at various points. Still... this was definitely worth reading.
|
