Status
Available
Publication
Vintage (1999), Edition: Vintage contemporaries ed, 434 pages
Description
A fisherman's daughter in 1930s Japan rises to become a famous geisha. After training, Sayuri's virginity is sold to the highest bidder, then the school finds her a general for a patron. When he dies, she is reunited with the only man she loved.
Similar in this library
Media reviews
Golden fills the book with vivid images and subtle descriptions of the nuances of Japanese culture, and is absolutely brilliant in his description of the customs and rituals of the geisha. Through the meticulous detail the reader can fully understand the politics, rivalries, and traditions of the
Show More
Japan geisha society. Show Less
Mr. Golden gives us not only a richly sympathetic portrait of a woman, but also a finely observed picture of an anomalous and largely vanished world. He has made an impressive and unusual debut.
Haarhuis's foreword and Golden's epilogue, the one appropriating the guise of a novel and the other taking it off, suggest an author who is of two minds when it comes to his work. It is not surprising, then, if his readers share this uncertainty. The decision to write an autobiographically styled
Show More
novel rather than a nonfiction portrait is most obviously justified in terms of empathy, of allowing greater freedom to explore the geisha's inner life. Unfortunately, Sayuri's personality seems so familiar it is almost generic; she is not so much an individual as a faultless arrangement of feminine virtues. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member richardderus
The Book Report: The politics of the okiya, or geisha house, closely examined through the rise of Chiyo, an unpromising girl sold into slavery by her peasant family, to become Sayuri, a sought-after and renowned geisha in pre-WWII Kyoto.
Chiyo's arrival in the okiya is inauspicious, and her
Golden treats us to the full world of geisha, including its roots as slavery and its unpalatable customs, such as misuage, the ritualized and monetized deflowering of barely pubescent girls as a preparatory step to their ascent into geishahood.
Sayuri lives through the tribulations of having only a minimal say in the men she must serve as companion, as hetaira, as whore; she falls in love with one man, whom she cannot, for good reasons, pursue a relationship with; and she uses her wits, her wiles, and her body to survive and thrive during the national trauma of WWII and its aftermath. By the end of the story, Sayuri is a free woman, possessed of a life many many women across the world would envy, and telling us the remarkable and astonishing story of a slave girl's rise to wealth and position.
My Review: Quite a lovely book to read, and really very nicely made. Well, except for that whole missing bit that we like to call “World War Two.” The author spends what, five pages maybe, on the *entire*second*world*war. One whole star off for that, so we're down to four.
Then there's the whole issue of sourcing. Golden interviewed an actual reitred geisha and used her life as a basis for his novel. Nothing untoward there, is there? Well, apparently so...the lady was acknowledged in the book and she was subject to death threats and other reprisals. She sued Golden and the publishers, claiming breach of contract, and got an out-of-court settlement. Then she went on to publish her memoirs! After getting the settlement for having her privacy broached! Oh gross. Greed is a turn-off for me, and so, despite the fact that Golden didn't do jack poop wrong, half a star off. Three and a half, for those counting along.
But the last half star vanished more recently than I read the book (back in 1999). It went away because Arthur Golden's source, Mineko Iwasaki, painted in her memoir a very very different picture of her life and that of a modern geisha than Golden did. Different enough that I felt the novel, representing itself as an accurate portrayal of a geisha's life, was flying false colors. It's fiction, so changing stuff up is normal and acceptable, but the background of the book is what made it interesting, the world of the okiya and its rituals and its rhythms were the *point* of my reading the book...and the source herself, in a polite Japanese way, said “pfui” to it.
And now we're at three stars. All of them, at this point, are for Arthur Golden's pretty, pretty sentences.
Chiyo's arrival in the okiya is inauspicious, and her
Show More
introduction into the horrible world of all-female hatreds and politics comes at a heavy price. She attempts to run away back to the family that sold her into slavery in the first place, which shows that kids don't think in logical patterns; fortunately, she falls off the roof and breaks her arm. Her friendship with a fellow slave, Pumpkin, thus begins, and with it the events that will lead her into rivalry with Hatsumomo, the okiya's lead geisha, and ultimately into her new identity as Sayuri, a full-fledged geisha.Golden treats us to the full world of geisha, including its roots as slavery and its unpalatable customs, such as misuage, the ritualized and monetized deflowering of barely pubescent girls as a preparatory step to their ascent into geishahood.
Sayuri lives through the tribulations of having only a minimal say in the men she must serve as companion, as hetaira, as whore; she falls in love with one man, whom she cannot, for good reasons, pursue a relationship with; and she uses her wits, her wiles, and her body to survive and thrive during the national trauma of WWII and its aftermath. By the end of the story, Sayuri is a free woman, possessed of a life many many women across the world would envy, and telling us the remarkable and astonishing story of a slave girl's rise to wealth and position.
My Review: Quite a lovely book to read, and really very nicely made. Well, except for that whole missing bit that we like to call “World War Two.” The author spends what, five pages maybe, on the *entire*second*world*war. One whole star off for that, so we're down to four.
Then there's the whole issue of sourcing. Golden interviewed an actual reitred geisha and used her life as a basis for his novel. Nothing untoward there, is there? Well, apparently so...the lady was acknowledged in the book and she was subject to death threats and other reprisals. She sued Golden and the publishers, claiming breach of contract, and got an out-of-court settlement. Then she went on to publish her memoirs! After getting the settlement for having her privacy broached! Oh gross. Greed is a turn-off for me, and so, despite the fact that Golden didn't do jack poop wrong, half a star off. Three and a half, for those counting along.
But the last half star vanished more recently than I read the book (back in 1999). It went away because Arthur Golden's source, Mineko Iwasaki, painted in her memoir a very very different picture of her life and that of a modern geisha than Golden did. Different enough that I felt the novel, representing itself as an accurate portrayal of a geisha's life, was flying false colors. It's fiction, so changing stuff up is normal and acceptable, but the background of the book is what made it interesting, the world of the okiya and its rituals and its rhythms were the *point* of my reading the book...and the source herself, in a polite Japanese way, said “pfui” to it.
And now we're at three stars. All of them, at this point, are for Arthur Golden's pretty, pretty sentences.
Show Less
LibraryThing member PhoenixTerran
Memoirs of a Geisha is Arthur Golden's debut (and so far only) novel.
Sakamoto Chiyo was born in a small insignificant fishing town, but grew up to become Nitta Sayuri, a very successful and prominent geisha. The novel recounts the story of her life as she tells it, from being sold into virtual
I was rather disappointed and felt cheated by the ending, feeling that it was forced. For the most part, however, I very much enjoyed this book.
Experiments in Reading
Sakamoto Chiyo was born in a small insignificant fishing town, but grew up to become Nitta Sayuri, a very successful and prominent geisha. The novel recounts the story of her life as she tells it, from being sold into virtual
Show More
slavery, her grueling training and struggle to become recognized, to her eventual success. I was rather disappointed and felt cheated by the ending, feeling that it was forced. For the most part, however, I very much enjoyed this book.
Experiments in Reading
Show Less
LibraryThing member parrot_person
It was certainly interesting to learn about a culture I previously knew so little about. The book is well-researched, the plot was engaging and the characters were for the most part believable and interesting.
But this book has a number of irksome flaws that a good editor would have and should have
1. The metaphors are often forced. Comparisons are made to tatami mats, or rice, or Kabuki actors. Yes, these are interesting images and they contribute to the sense of place and time. But not everything has to be so self-consciously Japanese.
2. Some of the attitudes Sayuri (the protagonist) holds towards men and especially sex ring false. It must be difficult for a Western 21st century male to write in the voice of an early-20th-century Japanese female, and I respect Mr. Golden for his attempts. But he fails badly at times. As Mr. Golden tells it, it is as though none of the female characters, including Sayuri, have any sexual feelings at all. And again, many of the metaphors are laughable. The "shy eel hiding in the cave" bit is particularly embarrassing, and is referred to again and again throughout the book.
3. Most of the book is realistic and believable. The sudden fairytale ending, however, is wretched! It's as though Mr. Golden became bored with his story, and wrote "and then they lived happily after ever, the end" just to be done with it.
But this book has a number of irksome flaws that a good editor would have and should have
Show More
insisted Mr. Golden fix before publication, and for me, these flaws diminished enjoyment of this novel quite a bit:1. The metaphors are often forced. Comparisons are made to tatami mats, or rice, or Kabuki actors. Yes, these are interesting images and they contribute to the sense of place and time. But not everything has to be so self-consciously Japanese.
2. Some of the attitudes Sayuri (the protagonist) holds towards men and especially sex ring false. It must be difficult for a Western 21st century male to write in the voice of an early-20th-century Japanese female, and I respect Mr. Golden for his attempts. But he fails badly at times. As Mr. Golden tells it, it is as though none of the female characters, including Sayuri, have any sexual feelings at all. And again, many of the metaphors are laughable. The "shy eel hiding in the cave" bit is particularly embarrassing, and is referred to again and again throughout the book.
3. Most of the book is realistic and believable. The sudden fairytale ending, however, is wretched! It's as though Mr. Golden became bored with his story, and wrote "and then they lived happily after ever, the end" just to be done with it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member littlebones
I had been meaning to read Memoirs of a Geisha for about eleven years now, and I'm glad I waited so long. I couldn't have appreciated its slow pace when I was younger.
Though the novel does move slowly, I feel it's because the language is meant to be savoured rather than hastily devoured. Within the
I did not at all feel as though the story was overly repetitious, or that too much time was spent explaining unimportant details. For those unacquainted with the life of a geisha, the details are important for really understanding the world in which Sayuri lived.
I enjoyed the strategic game of wits of Mameha and Sayuri versus Hatsumomo more than the romance sections. I've never been a fan of romance novels, however, so that's just personal preference.
Though the novel does move slowly, I feel it's because the language is meant to be savoured rather than hastily devoured. Within the
Show More
first chapter I was stricken by the gorgeous similes Golden uses, and continues to use throughout the book. The language is so beautiful, but still manages to read as though it were being spoken, rather than written.I did not at all feel as though the story was overly repetitious, or that too much time was spent explaining unimportant details. For those unacquainted with the life of a geisha, the details are important for really understanding the world in which Sayuri lived.
I enjoyed the strategic game of wits of Mameha and Sayuri versus Hatsumomo more than the romance sections. I've never been a fan of romance novels, however, so that's just personal preference.
Show Less
LibraryThing member heart77
Like many people, I was obsessed with Japanese culture as a kid and read this book partially because of that. I grew up and grew out of my obsession, but then re-read this book in 2016. Here are my thoughts on it. I knew, going into it, that Arthur Golden was not an actual geisha, that he was an
I also felt that the prose style was good. I liked the comparisons and I felt that in most cases they made sense. I liked the way Golden described the male customers best; you came away with a good idea of their personalities and their appearances. There was a wide variety there, which I appreciated since I think most of the writing done on Japanese culture often relies on stereotypes and only has like two archetypes of Japanese men (the Wise Old Man and the Hot Martial Artists). So it was nice to see writing that reflected a wider range of masculinity.
I felt like the beginning and middle of the book was best. At a certain point, about the time Hatsumomo disappears, the book sort of drags on, and Sayuri's obsession with The Chairman becomes the main focus (moreso than at the beginning and middle, since at least then she was doing her apprentice training and going to parties). I thought the chapter taking place on the Amami Islands was fairly ridiculous, but maybe that was the point. I also really, as much as I empathized with Sayuri's character, couldn't take the way she treated Nobu. Becoming friends with someone is one thing, but leading them on for financial gain for fifteen years and then dropping them for their best friend is kind of shitty. I'm still giving this book five stars because it's the first book in a long time that I really really loved. It's a long book, over 400 pages, but I was so caught up in the story that I finished it in a short amount of time.
Show More
American man writing from the perspective of a Japanese woman, and a lot of people found this offensive. However, from the Acknowledgements section in the back of the book, it's evident that he did his research. The book was first published in 1997, and the book mentions research going as far back as 1992. This isn't the case of some fanboy writing shit just because he could. In my opinion.I also felt that the prose style was good. I liked the comparisons and I felt that in most cases they made sense. I liked the way Golden described the male customers best; you came away with a good idea of their personalities and their appearances. There was a wide variety there, which I appreciated since I think most of the writing done on Japanese culture often relies on stereotypes and only has like two archetypes of Japanese men (the Wise Old Man and the Hot Martial Artists). So it was nice to see writing that reflected a wider range of masculinity.
I felt like the beginning and middle of the book was best. At a certain point, about the time Hatsumomo disappears, the book sort of drags on, and Sayuri's obsession with The Chairman becomes the main focus (moreso than at the beginning and middle, since at least then she was doing her apprentice training and going to parties). I thought the chapter taking place on the Amami Islands was fairly ridiculous, but maybe that was the point. I also really, as much as I empathized with Sayuri's character, couldn't take the way she treated Nobu. Becoming friends with someone is one thing, but leading them on for financial gain for fifteen years and then dropping them for their best friend is kind of shitty. I'm still giving this book five stars because it's the first book in a long time that I really really loved. It's a long book, over 400 pages, but I was so caught up in the story that I finished it in a short amount of time.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MrsLee
A work of fiction written as a memoir, this story follows a young Japanese girl and details her struggles to survive in the isolated community of the geisha. She was sold into that world at a young age. Her desire for one man who showed kindness to her is all that gives her hope, but how can she
I thought this was a very well written book. The pacing is relaxed, gentle and calm, just as if someone were listening to a woman tell her story to you. I was amazed and dismayed that a young male author could have such insight into a woman's thoughts, let alone a geisha's. Then I read the acknowledgments and saw how many women he had read his manuscript and give advice to him, including several geisha. So I'm impressed. By the way, the movie is lovely too.
Show More
ever attain his affection when her every move is determined by someone else?I thought this was a very well written book. The pacing is relaxed, gentle and calm, just as if someone were listening to a woman tell her story to you. I was amazed and dismayed that a young male author could have such insight into a woman's thoughts, let alone a geisha's. Then I read the acknowledgments and saw how many women he had read his manuscript and give advice to him, including several geisha. So I'm impressed. By the way, the movie is lovely too.
Show Less
LibraryThing member LadyHazy
This book was a huge pleasure to read.
Although there has been some controversy surrounding Golden's portrayal of 'Mizuage' in the book, it is a well researched work of fiction, both intrigiung and insightful to westerners and/or anyone unaware of the practices of Geishas in the early 1900's.
The
I feel I have actually learnt quite a lot from reading this book, and it was the first book I've read in a while that I literally struggled to put down.
Although there has been some controversy surrounding Golden's portrayal of 'Mizuage' in the book, it is a well researched work of fiction, both intrigiung and insightful to westerners and/or anyone unaware of the practices of Geishas in the early 1900's.
The
Show More
book actually reads like it is based on factual memoirs, such is the realism in the deatailed descriptions and the depth of the characters.I feel I have actually learnt quite a lot from reading this book, and it was the first book I've read in a while that I literally struggled to put down.
Show Less
LibraryThing member melissavenable
I enjoyed this so much I have no desire to see the movie. It ended and I wanted more. This book is a favorite with me because it's my favorite kind of book - historical fiction. I learned so much about geisha, japan, world history, music.... through her story.
LibraryThing member GeorgiaBrooke
I loved this book, and was so disappointed to find out it was fiction, rather than autobiographical. Nevertheless, it was an engrossing read, and I couldn't put it down.
LibraryThing member chewbecca
In some ways, Golden's writing style reminds me of Charles Dickens in that, even if he's in the middle of a story, he has to preface most paragraphs with a really long explanation about a certain bowl or the way a chair was made in 1930s Japan. In some cases, it did make the storyline a bit more
I also, typically, don't like books that happen from the point of view of a woman, but are written by a man (and vice-versa). I don't care how old you are, you'll never look at things the same way the opposite sex does....it's just not part of human nature. But I think, despite that, he did a good job of getting the story down and portrayed in such a way that it's believable that an elderly, well-trained geisha told him all about it.
At any rate, I'd definitely recommend it.
Show More
understandable, and in some cases, I found myself jumping to the next paragraph to see what happened next before bothering with the details.I also, typically, don't like books that happen from the point of view of a woman, but are written by a man (and vice-versa). I don't care how old you are, you'll never look at things the same way the opposite sex does....it's just not part of human nature. But I think, despite that, he did a good job of getting the story down and portrayed in such a way that it's believable that an elderly, well-trained geisha told him all about it.
At any rate, I'd definitely recommend it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ntempest
This book follows Nitta Sayuri as she is taken into the world of the geisha and trained for that profession, despite not having been destined for such training since birth. She is an unusual young girl--her bright blue eyes setting her apart in a very distinct manner. We learn of the hardships of
The history and culture in this story are fascinating and beautifully depicted, and the protagonist draws your sympathy early on. However, I found the ending and Sayuri's supposed love affair with the Chairman to be unbelievable and unsatisfying, and was ultimately disappointed with the book by the time I finished it.
Show More
the training and how behavior and even thought process is ingrained in her before she is allowed to advance into her career.The history and culture in this story are fascinating and beautifully depicted, and the protagonist draws your sympathy early on. However, I found the ending and Sayuri's supposed love affair with the Chairman to be unbelievable and unsatisfying, and was ultimately disappointed with the book by the time I finished it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ursula
Beautifully written, intriguing story of a geisha. Hard to believe it wasn't written by someone who had lived it.
LibraryThing member John
It is the story of about Chiyo, a young girl sold by her father, along with her sister, into training for geisha in Kyoto when she is about ten years old (the sister in fact ends up as a prostitute and then escapes, never to be heard of again in the novel). Chiyo enters into this strange world
The story is well told, the progress of Sayuri's career is well-told, the intricacies, insecurities, and jealousies of the geisha world are well shown, and the "Japaneseness" strikes me as quite accurate, but in the end, it is not a great novel and is perhaps not worth the adulation that it seems to have received.
This book should, however, confound any who still believe in arguments, which I never have, about "voice", i.e., men can't write with real sensitivity about women, whites about blacks, heterosexuals about gays, etc, etc. This novel, which I think is a fine description and exploration of the humilities and the humanities, and the sacrifices and the possibilities of life as a geisha, and what it meant to grow up female in Japan from the 1930s through and after WWII, was written by an American man.
Show More
slowly, painfully, and not without some rebellion and considerable heartache. But with the help of a famous geisha named Mameha, she becomes an apprentice geisha and takes the name Sayuri. The novel has a good representation of eccentric characters, including "Mother" who runs the okiya (house which supports one or two main geisha's), Hatsumomo who is the principal geisha in Mother's shop, who hates Mameha, and who is a thoroughly unpleasant, insecure, and vindictive person bent on making Chiyo's life as miserable as possible, particularly when it starts to appear that Chiyo will mature into an attractive young woman. The story explores and describes the whole hermetic world of the geisha, including the complex structure set up to run it and to maintain records of each geisha's popularity and fees. It is interesting in its detail, for instance, in the bidding war that takes place for the man who is to have the honour of deflowering Sayuri, an experience that she finds less than exciting. The story is told from Sayuri's point of view, and through the prism of the world of geisha, so the men, by and large, do not come off well, but then that simply reflects their role in the overall picture. The geisha were well trained in the arts of pleasing men, and for the men, they are not, by and large, persons, but simple providers of pleasure and diversion. This seems to hold even when, and if, a geisha reaches the pinnacle of her opportunities which is to be taken on as the mistress of a wealthy man. Descriptions of dinner and drinking parties with their totally inane conversations and jokes ring true from my experience in Japan, and highlight the difficulty Japanese men of a certain age have in dealing with women. Sayuri ends up with the man of her dreams, and at the end of the book is living in the United States, but that phase of her life comes only at the end of the story.The story is well told, the progress of Sayuri's career is well-told, the intricacies, insecurities, and jealousies of the geisha world are well shown, and the "Japaneseness" strikes me as quite accurate, but in the end, it is not a great novel and is perhaps not worth the adulation that it seems to have received.
This book should, however, confound any who still believe in arguments, which I never have, about "voice", i.e., men can't write with real sensitivity about women, whites about blacks, heterosexuals about gays, etc, etc. This novel, which I think is a fine description and exploration of the humilities and the humanities, and the sacrifices and the possibilities of life as a geisha, and what it meant to grow up female in Japan from the 1930s through and after WWII, was written by an American man.
Show Less
LibraryThing member JessicaSR
From the detailed descriptions in his voice, Arthur Golden seemed as much interested in Japanese culture as his audience. If I haven't known who the author was, I wouldn't have guessed that it was not written from a geisha herself and not even think that a guy would be the one behind Sayuri's
Show More
voice. Golden also does a great job at creating characters' personalities who are more round and make huge impacts in Sayuri's life no matter how little they were mentioned in the novel. What made the book draw more attention was the many thoughts of life. Of the ways it makes things unfair and the struggles we must face. Most of us can sit around and think impossible questions that we know we'll never find the answer to; but we ask them anyways, hoping one day it can all make sense. And this how Sayuri behaves as she keeps all these thoughts sealed in her head. In this book, we don't have one, sinlge theme because it's just like life; we don't have a lesson learned and move on, because we all know the future will come up with something else. It's just like the saying "you learn something everyday." In this case, Sayuri doesn't have many to tell her advice, she discovers her wise lessons just as we learn with her, which makes us even more engaged in the story. There's so much said in this novel and so many that weren't mentioned at all. One of the flaws that grabbed my attention was the way it was so predictable. It's literally like a romantic story that I've probably read before but forgot about. Each of the predications I made were true and not surprising, but I have to admit I like being right. I would recommend this novel for those who read for fun because it really is an interesting tale. It's feels like Sayuri is your best friend and is telling you everything in person. Show Less
LibraryThing member Justjenniferreading
I picked up this book after seeing Carm reading it on The Sopranos. I am so glad that I did.
I grew very attached to the characters and found myself crying at many points, every time I've read it.
I enjoyed the idea that this was written as a memoir because it made the character seem even more real
The book is beautiful and very well written. The pictures that were painted in my head were very great. I liked the attention to detail that the author had when describing the characters, the settings, and the landscaping.
I am also glad that I read this book before I watched the movie. The pictures that I had envisioned from reading the book were much more elaborate than they were portrayed in the movie. I think had I seen the movie first that would have taken much away from what I got from the book. If you are thinking of watching this movie I would recommend reading the book first.
I grew very attached to the characters and found myself crying at many points, every time I've read it.
I enjoyed the idea that this was written as a memoir because it made the character seem even more real
Show More
than even the most elegant descriptions could have.The book is beautiful and very well written. The pictures that were painted in my head were very great. I liked the attention to detail that the author had when describing the characters, the settings, and the landscaping.
I am also glad that I read this book before I watched the movie. The pictures that I had envisioned from reading the book were much more elaborate than they were portrayed in the movie. I think had I seen the movie first that would have taken much away from what I got from the book. If you are thinking of watching this movie I would recommend reading the book first.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bibliobbe
I’d always wanted to know exactly what a geisha was, and now I’ve read this, I have a much clearer idea. Many people assume that a geisha is a prostitute, and all those fancy tea-drinking ceremonies and dancing displays are just window-dressing for the horizontal dancing to follow. Now, thanks
Show More
to Arthur Golden and his creation, Nitta Sayuri, I know better. This is a very detailed story of one (fictional) woman’s voyage from peasant child in a fishing village to famed Kyoto geisha. It’s scary how she is basically sold into a kind of slavery. The backdrop to her memoir is the Depression and WWII, but until the end of the war, this impacts little on the golden lives of the geisha. Sayuri’s life is difficult, primarily because her choices are so limited. I’m not sure if this is the best book I’ve read for a while, but the subject matter makes it a fascinating read. Show Less
LibraryThing member benuathanasia
This powerful, impassioned tale showcases a life every American likely knows about, but knows nothing of. It was truly incredible to see the story progress and, while the ending wasn't a fairy tale one, it couldn't have ended any other way.
LibraryThing member heddy_e
Memoirs of a Geisha was beautifully written. Similes and metaphors describe the era, landscape and characters in a way that is almost like watching an artist wisk charcoal across canvas. I ate this book up, finished almost three weeks ago but hadn't commented on it yet as I wanted to also see the
I did feel, however, that the hopeless romantic feelings the Geisha Sayuri had towards the Chairman were a bit hard to swallow. And I'm sick of reading books where a hard done by female character places all her faith that everything in life will work out in a dashing, strong male character. Why are we supposed to hold our breath to see if she gets her man? Are we supposed to be surprised when she finds love? Are we supposed to give a shit?
I know this book was set in a different time (just prior and during WWII) and that it was also set in a country with different perceptions about the roles of males and females but Christ, adapting a Cinderella story still leaves us with a Cinderella story. When will our beautiful, oppressed heroine stand up from the fireplace and say "I'm not taking this shit, I can do better." And the real challenge here is having her make her own way without it reading like a bra burning feminist piece of propaganda. I mean, I like men – they have their purpose, but I’m not gonna put my wrist to my brow and wait for one to make all my dreams come true. Isn't there any middle ground?
Show More
movie. Both works were nice compliments to each other. The book, described the tradition behind the customs and culture of the Geisha community. The movie depicted the beautiful scenery, kimonos and makeup.I did feel, however, that the hopeless romantic feelings the Geisha Sayuri had towards the Chairman were a bit hard to swallow. And I'm sick of reading books where a hard done by female character places all her faith that everything in life will work out in a dashing, strong male character. Why are we supposed to hold our breath to see if she gets her man? Are we supposed to be surprised when she finds love? Are we supposed to give a shit?
I know this book was set in a different time (just prior and during WWII) and that it was also set in a country with different perceptions about the roles of males and females but Christ, adapting a Cinderella story still leaves us with a Cinderella story. When will our beautiful, oppressed heroine stand up from the fireplace and say "I'm not taking this shit, I can do better." And the real challenge here is having her make her own way without it reading like a bra burning feminist piece of propaganda. I mean, I like men – they have their purpose, but I’m not gonna put my wrist to my brow and wait for one to make all my dreams come true. Isn't there any middle ground?
Show Less
LibraryThing member SqueakyChu
Chiyo and her older sister Satsu are taken away from from the fishing town of Yoroido and their elderly father when their mother becomes critically ill. Chiyo is hopeful that she and her sister will be adopted by the wealthy Mr. Tanaka, owner of the Japan Coastal Seafood Company. They are surprised
Memoirs of a Geisha opens a rich new world of traditional Japanese customs to the Western reader. Although the author is an American man, he transcends the barriers of gender and culture in telling this story. He narrates his story in the first person of the geisha Sayuri while also fully developing the relationships between other predominantly female characters. His tale is so convincing that, at times, it’s hard to think of this memoir as a work of fiction. The Japanese theme of geisha is treated by the author with utmost respect and understanding. It’s a beautiful story which leaves an indelible mark on the heartstrings of its readers.
Show More
when he does not adopt them but rather takes them by train to Kyoto and later horrified when they are cruelly separated from one another. Chiyo finds herself thrust into the position of a maid in an okiya (house of geisha), but she does not know where her sister was taken.Memoirs of a Geisha opens a rich new world of traditional Japanese customs to the Western reader. Although the author is an American man, he transcends the barriers of gender and culture in telling this story. He narrates his story in the first person of the geisha Sayuri while also fully developing the relationships between other predominantly female characters. His tale is so convincing that, at times, it’s hard to think of this memoir as a work of fiction. The Japanese theme of geisha is treated by the author with utmost respect and understanding. It’s a beautiful story which leaves an indelible mark on the heartstrings of its readers.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Ayling
Four years ago, my sister sent me this book out of the blue. I admit, I wasn't sure to begin with that I'd like it. Of course any book coming through your letter box is very welcome.I had no previous interest in Japan and it definitely isn't a novel I would have picked up on my own. Which just goes
Show More
to prove what a hideous taste I have in books!Anyway, I thought I'd see what it was like... so I sat down on the sofa by the window and opened the first page thinking I'd just get a feel of it and see what the writing was like. I was reading another book at the time and had no intention whatsoever to sit down and read this book at the time.One sentence, one paragraph, one page later I was still reading it until it became one hour later and I was still sitting there by the window reading Memoirs of a Geisha.I polished it off in two to three days time and absolutely adored it. I have since bought my own copy of the book and would love to re-read it one of these days.I loved how it was written. As I said, I had no previous interest in Japan, but this did not seem to matter as he described everything so beautifully, without going over the top, in such a way that I could imagine everything with ease.I'm not sure how accurate the book is, I've heard certain criticisms. I like to think however, that as a work of fiction and not based on a true story as such, that this is not of any essential importance. If I wanted to really learn about geisha I would read a non-fiction. Show Less
LibraryThing member millieanne
Oh my lord, go read this book! The story is engrossing, the characters are beautiful and well-developed, the humor hits on so many levels that nearly everyone can find something enjoyable in this book. The main character makes me want to name my child "sayuri" and hope she turns out half as clever.
Show More
Go get a coffee, take a mental health day and READ THIS BOOK! Show Less
LibraryThing member blackrabbit89
Holy cow, I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. It was fantastic! Here’s a bit of a summary (spoiler free):
Memoirs of a Geisha follows young Chiyo as she is sold out of her childhood home and into a life of slavery. Although she is only a child, her pretty face wins her a
After a failed escape attempt and a subsequent beating, Chiyo is rescued by two people: Mameha, the most renowned geisha in Gion, who offers to become her “big sister” and train her in all things geisha; and a chairman who offers her a kind word on the street. Chiyo—who will later be known as Sayuri—becomes fixated on becoming a successful geisha for the sole purpose of reconnecting with the Chairman.
Now, to me, a really good book is one that makes me want to learn more about some aspect of the story, and Memoirs of a Geisha is definitely one such book. I’m eager to check my library for books about Japanese culture now, and geisha culture in particular. I want to know more!
I loved reading about Sayuri’s various geisha rituals, classes and accoutrements: the bidding war for her mizuage (virginity), her shamisen (a stringed instrument) and dance classes; the different types of shoes she wears; the intricacy involved in putting on a kimono and applying makeup; the way she successfully navigates her many social appearances; the drama of finding a suitable danna (a man who supports her financially).
Memoirs of a Geisha is a fast read. Knowing from the beginning that Chiyo is to become one of Japan’s most well known geisha made me want to find out how she got to be that way. Chiyo’s life is full of dramatic ups and downs, but she always finds a way to gather her inner strength and push through. I was very pleasantly surprised by how quickly I grew to love her.
Memoirs of a Geisha follows young Chiyo as she is sold out of her childhood home and into a life of slavery. Although she is only a child, her pretty face wins her a
Show More
position as a maid in an okiya, a home in which geisha are trained and which is supported by the earnings of the geisha who live there. (Satsu, Chiyo’s less attractive sister, is sold into prostitution.) The plan is for Chiyo to become an apprentice, with the hope that eventually she will be transformed into a beautiful, artistically talented geisha herself.After a failed escape attempt and a subsequent beating, Chiyo is rescued by two people: Mameha, the most renowned geisha in Gion, who offers to become her “big sister” and train her in all things geisha; and a chairman who offers her a kind word on the street. Chiyo—who will later be known as Sayuri—becomes fixated on becoming a successful geisha for the sole purpose of reconnecting with the Chairman.
Now, to me, a really good book is one that makes me want to learn more about some aspect of the story, and Memoirs of a Geisha is definitely one such book. I’m eager to check my library for books about Japanese culture now, and geisha culture in particular. I want to know more!
I loved reading about Sayuri’s various geisha rituals, classes and accoutrements: the bidding war for her mizuage (virginity), her shamisen (a stringed instrument) and dance classes; the different types of shoes she wears; the intricacy involved in putting on a kimono and applying makeup; the way she successfully navigates her many social appearances; the drama of finding a suitable danna (a man who supports her financially).
Memoirs of a Geisha is a fast read. Knowing from the beginning that Chiyo is to become one of Japan’s most well known geisha made me want to find out how she got to be that way. Chiyo’s life is full of dramatic ups and downs, but she always finds a way to gather her inner strength and push through. I was very pleasantly surprised by how quickly I grew to love her.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lkernagh
Yes, I am continuing to enjoy my reading journey of fiction stories disguised as memoirs or personal history retellings. I never tire of these types of stories! [Memoirs of a Geisha] is not your typical “rags to riches” kind of story, even if the selling into slavery is a good “rags”
Show More
starting point. I grate at the idea of treating human beings as “commodities” but I couldn’t help but be captivated by the details of geisha life and the depiction of Japan of the 1930’s. Giving the story extra “oomph”, Golden surrounds our protagonist with a cast of characters that is, on its whole, just the right blending of fairy tale heroes in Mameha and the Chairman and villains in Hatsumomo, that I almost chuckled a bit at Golden’s version of the proverbial ‘glass slipper’ when it made an appearance. While the story kind of fizzles out near the end for me, Golden’s portrayal of Sayuri and her struggles in the geisha world of Gion is richly rewarding glimpse into a forbidden world, even if Sayuri comes across overly naïve at times. Show Less
LibraryThing member gaillamontagne
400+ pages if read the book. I preferred to listen.. This story is fiction but the author states that the historical facts and backgournd information is not fiction. An amazing story of a young girl of 9 that is sold by her father to a wealthy man who in turn sold her and her sister to different
Show More
businesses. The pretty 9 yer old was sold to a Geisha house and the less attractive and less intelligent 15 year old to a prostitution house. Every action of the characters is brought to life by the characteristic Japanese imagery conveyed realisticly through the creative thoughts of the main character. The metaphores and similies gracefully attach the reader to her intimate thoughts and help you live life with her as she grows and matures. I got a surprosing look into a very secret world. Loved this book. The narrator was excellent and I had a difficult turning the story off when life demanded.. Show Less
LibraryThing member AuntieClio
found myself crying at the end. One thing I’ve learned is not to question when things like that happen, best to just let them go. So I cried.
As most know by now Memoirs of a Geisha is the story of Chiyo/Sakuri who is sold into a geisha house by her penniless fisherman father. Through her eyes the
Although I won’t be keeping this in my library, it was a good day or two reading and very entertaining.
As most know by now Memoirs of a Geisha is the story of Chiyo/Sakuri who is sold into a geisha house by her penniless fisherman father. Through her eyes the
Show More
story of how she goes from “unworthy” to highly acclaimed geisha to mistress of her one true love is told. I found myself caught up in the emotions of Sakuri’s life, disliking her opponents and loving those who looked after her. I held my breath and hoped with her. In the final chapters, when she makes a decision that is heartrending I actually felt her trepidation but worried that she was making the wrong decision and she would lose everything. Don’t worry, it has a happy ending.Although I won’t be keeping this in my library, it was a good day or two reading and very entertaining.
Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Dublin Literary Award (Longlist — 1999)
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Nominee — 2002)
Whitcoulls Top 100 Books (27 — 2008)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1997-09-23
Physical description
434 p.; 5.17 inches
ISBN
0679781587 / 9780679781585