Rating: 
Summary: ...reveals what lies beneath a geisha's white make-up mask.
Review: I could not put this book down!! It starts off seeming like just another story about a village girl's life, but quickly unravels to reveal a breath-taking story of the rising of a geisha--throughout it enchanting the reader with beautiful descriptions of kimonos, Japanese architecture, tea ceremonies, hairstyles, as Arthur Golden puts us right in the middle of Gion. I felt as if I were part of the parties, and I had urges to dress myself up in kimonos and put on white make-up, etc. But besides the picture Golden was able to paint in my head, it is also a tale of rivalry, betrayal, trust, loss, and the bitter reality many of us are still naive to. It depicts the hardships during the war, and it makes you sad to hear of characters' rise and harsh falls after you've been so familiar with them throughout the novel. I was even a bit sad to see Hatsumomo's downfall. Mameha was definently my favorite character-- I envy her. I also have very, very deep respect for Nobu. When he was able to offer his help at her desperate time of need, despite her betrayal of his trust, I felt strong admiration for this man. It's a shame Sayuri hurt him deeply over and over again, I wouldn't have been able to do it. If you're interested in Asian culture, bitter rivalry between women, malicious plotting to ruin an enemy completely, and the relations between men and geisha---then this book is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Unexpectedly wonderful read
Review: When I picked up this book, I didn't buy it. Instead, I borrowed it from someone. I wasn't sure how I would like it so I didn't want to spend my money on it quite yet. I read the first 2 or 3 chapters and put it down, but a few weeks ago I decided to pick it up again and I couldn't stop! This was one of the best books I have read in awhile. Beautifully written with eloquent passages and excellent descriptions, 'Memoirs of a Geisha' tells the story of a unique girl, Chiyo (later Sayuri) from an obscure Japanese town who is sold into slavery and ends up at an okiya to be trained as a geisha. Through many obstacles, such as the closing of the geisha districts in WWII and the horrible nagging of Hatsumomo, one of the premier and most infamous geishas in Kyoto who Sayuri happens to share an okiya with.
I personally enjoyed this book very much. All of the characters were well formed and the story never seemed to get too boring or strenuous. The exotic setting was a change, as was the subject. I loved to read of the descriptions of Sayuri's eventful days as a geisha-in-training under Mameha and of Hatsumomo's sinister actions that plagued the book (and made it more fun). You could feel Sayuri's sadness when she discovered her sister's fate as a Kyoto prostitute, her happiness when she dreamed of the Chairman, her secret love, and her helplessness whenever she was punished due to Hatsumomo's actions.
I would say my favorite character was Mameha, although I enjoyed Hatsumomo very much and even felt somewhat sad when she, a premier geisha, was kicked out of the okiya and later became an obscure prostitute to survive.
There were some problems I had with this book. When plots and plans were explained, they seemed too complex and were a little too hard to understand, such as when Mameha explained the distribution of monies at the okiya or even towards the end when the Chairman explained his actions and plans on how to achieve Sayuri's affections. It could have been explained in simpler terms.
But all in all I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to all. The author does a wonderful job at disguising his voice as a woman's and no, this book is not just some women's reading group book. If anyone is looking for a good book to read I recommend this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: I feel this book was written in a fashion on which we see from two POVs. The character is always filled with her own options and opinions, but is a great listener. This is one of those books that can also be very educational, so you learn more about the geisha's life in Japan, but also get a story.
Rating:
Summary: Take me away!
Review: The cover was striking, so I bought the book... and I would not let it down! It was light yet consistant enough for the reader to be taken away into another world. More precisely in Gion, Kyoto at the begining of the century.
It is not "great" litterature. It will not become a required reading in schools. But it will be enough to satisfy a cravings for something else...
Rating:
Summary: The Bittersweet Life Story of a Geisha
Review: Memoirs of a Geisha is a fictitious, rags-to-riches story about a girl who is separated from her family and sold into slavery at an early age. Having been plucked from her humble hometown of Yoroido, protagonist Sayuri is taken to Kyoto, where she suffers several agonizing years as a maid, before eventually becoming a successful Geisha. Sayuri is a courageous heroine, that harbours romantic ideals and great hopes. Author, Arthur Golden, sheds light on Japanese culture, traditions and superstitions, while informing the reader about the Great Depression as it affected Japan. Golden brings this bygone era to life with great insight as well as imagination, and his meticulous research shows, to great effect. Memoirs of a Geisha is vivid to the point of pain, it is sometimes harrowing, but the conclusion is ultimately life-affirming. Sayuri's courage and triumph over her losses is both admirable and inspiring. Arthur Golden's use of descriptive language is beautiful, and is as effective as the storyline itself, in compelling the reader to eagerly turn the page and read on. Memoirs of a Geisha is every bit as good as readers and critics say it is. It's enchanting, and convincing as it bares the truth about Geisha-life, while telling one Geisha's unique life story.
Rating: 
Summary: decent choice for a book club
Review: If you're into the ladies book club thing this is a good choice, especially if your club has more dilettantes than real readers. But it's not real literary fiction. Seems tailor-made for those who are titillated by such exotica.
Rating: 
Summary: this book was soooooo bad
Review: This was the most boring book I have ever read. The most amazing thing about the book was the fact that someone would actually write it. I mean how many times can you go into the way some woman bats her eyes at a man. Ridiculous. Who CARES???? If this is your idea of an interesting book, then you would be easily entertained by a farmer's "compelling tale of sheep blisfully munching on green pastures." Sure, you feel sorry for the main character. She has a horrible chilhdood. And sure, it nicely depicts the milieu of her society. But then the book goes on and on about ways and means of handling men. And that's it. I say thumbs down!
Rating:
Summary: A Truly Enchanting Story
Review: I have never read a book so quickly in my life, I just couldn't put it down. Arthur Golden has done a magnificent job really capturing the reader. I felt that Sayuri was right beside me telling me all about her life. I felt so many emotions from excitement to anger to happiness and sorrow. Japan is so rich with culture and history and I strongly recommend it if you are a woman who has an interest in Japan and its unique ways. This story takes you away into the streets of Gion, Kyoto in Japan growing up with Sayuri from childhood to the wonders of womanhood. This is an eye opener. I am keen to read more.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!
Review: I've always been interested in Japanese culture, but for some reason I shied away from this book for a while. About a month ago I broke down and checked it out, and was very pleasantly surprised! I couldn't put it down! I had no idea that was what geisha life was like. The ending made me angry...just that she was kind of a back stabber. And I was upset when I found out that Sayuri wasn't a real person. But it's still one of my favorite books now. ^_^ I'm now working Gion into my schedule when I visit Japan!
Rating:
Summary: I love this book
Review: I felt as if I was there, its romantic, insightful and oh so fun. I never wanted it to end. The writing was perfect.
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