Rating: 
Summary: Thoroughly researched and very imaginative
Review: I began "Memoirs of a Geisha" with many reservations. I was certain that this would be another Western man's tepid little fantasy about a specific facet of Asian culture. But happily, Arthur Golden surprised and delighted me."Memoirs of a Geisha" is an imaginative, superbly researched, and well-written book. From the opening pages I was quite convinced that I was reading an actual Geisha's autobiography. The details of the geisha's life were compelling and quite believable. From what I understand, Golding performed quality assurance tests on his original manuscript by running it past several Geishas whom he had previously interviewed. Apparently, they faulted so much of the original manuscript that Golding rewrote the entire book. I applaud his persistence and integrity to that end. The book does have its imperfections. For one thing, I found the protagonist's constant use of similes to be a bit superficial and fake. But who knows, perhaps Geishas used this sort of lexicon out of habit. I also found the story's resolution a little disappointing. It capped a superbly written story off with a Hollywood cliché and detracted a bit from the believability of the characters. But even with these flaws the plot was still superb. I highly recommend this book for its imagination and attention to historical accuracy. Among other things it tears down a lot of Western stereotypes of Geishas as prostitutes. Contrary to some complaints that I've heard, very little of this book is sexual in nature.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't Put It Down
Review: I am usually adimant about reading only non- fiction, but when a friend gave me this book I decided to give it a shot. I absolutely could not put it down! This is the best book I've read in many many years,I'm not even sure why except maybe it's because it transforms you into another time and place. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Even my fiance loved it and he's pretty much a science fiction guy. This book is simply awesome! You just have to read it.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and precious book. A must read!
Review: I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is very-well written and very touching. I look forward to more books from this author. It was fascinating reading about the life of a geisha. I could not put it down. I know I will read it again in the years to come. This book is especially precious to me since I received it as a gift from my new husband.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: There's nothing I can say that could possibly add to all the positive reviews this book has received. This memoir, so poetically and beautifully written, takes you back to the geisha times, and does so in such a way that you could actually see, taste, and feel the narrator's feelings. From the first page to the last, I was hooked on every word. What shocked me the most, was the fact that this was written by and American man! The voice is so authentic, details so vivid, you would swear this was written by a genuine geisha. I highly recommend exploring this geisha subculture, I found it totally intriguing.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved it
Review: "Never thought the story of a Geisha's life would be so engrossing, but I couldn't put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent writer.
Review: An interesting story on an arcane subject. However, accuracy is frequently sacrificed for the sake of literary license. 'Geisha', a documentary by Liza Dalby, is a much better book and should be read before 'Memoirs'. After reading both books, I find the geisha subculture totally demeaning. Despite their genteel facades, these feudal throwbacks are nothing but professional party girls who tease married drunks for a living. There's nothing glamorous about the monotonous charades they play.
Rating:
Summary: Simple....Fantastic
Review: From the moment I began reading this book I could not put it down.....I took it everywhere with me, even to work. One day sitting down in a cafe a waiter approched me, with a tear in his eye.....explaining that he had himself read this book and he had in fact sobbed whilst reading the ending.......I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone, it is easy to read and very touching.... The only disspointing part of this book is that it had to end....I felt I could read on and on forever....
Rating:
Summary: Beauty of Language Abounds
Review: There is nothing in this story of a young, Japanese woman ripped from her impoverished family that would lead you to believe that it was written by a Jewish, American man. The beauty of the language of this book is breathtaking. The imagery is so vivid that you feel as if you were right there, the entire time. And, for all of Sayuri's hardships, there is no means available to feel sorry for her. The tale does not inspire anything resembling sorrow. Her spirit is indominable. Her character wins your heart. I read this in one sitting, as has everyone I know who has picked it up. And, I didn't just enjoy it for the simple pleasure of reading. I learned things. Things about Japan and geisha and my own heart. Read it when you have time to not put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Three Letters W-O-W
Review: This book is a must read! I am not a big reader but after seeing my friends on a senior trip with it i was interested in reading it. I went to the library and borrowed it. I couldnt stop reading the book. I was drawn into the plot.
Rating: 
Summary: Misinformation according to Mineko Iwasaki
Review: When you read about Mineko Iwasaki's reaction to this book you are thrown so off center. How do I get dreamy and absorbed in a book when the principal source says the author got it wrong and is left angered. Reading this story now will be like walking on a rotted floor--- you just don't know where the holes are.
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