Memoirs of a Geisha: A Novel
A literary sensation and runaway bestseller, this brilliant debut novel tells with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha.
Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
Speaking to us with the wisdom of age and in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha. It begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing kimono, elaborate makeup, and hair; pouring sake to reveal just a touch of inner wrist; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it.
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction—at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful—and completely unforgettable.
Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
Speaking to us with the wisdom of age and in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha. It begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing kimono, elaborate makeup, and hair; pouring sake to reveal just a touch of inner wrist; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it.
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction—at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful—and completely unforgettable.
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Community Reviews
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden is a beautifully written and immersive story that transports readers to 1930s Japan. Through the eyes of Sayuri, a young girl turned renowned geisha, the novel captures the beauty, struggle, and complexity of her world. With vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and rich cultural detail, it’s a mesmerizing tale of resilience and the pursuit of destiny.
I've read this book more than three times. I also own two copies of it, after gifting a friend one. The story is told in great detail. I enjoyed this book at
different ages and as I matured my opinion of certain event slightly changed. One thing that has never changed is my true unwavering opinion that this book is a masterpiece.
I was very underwhelmed reading this book. The plot itself was intriguing and the way her life twists around from positive to negative so quickly certainty keeps you on your toes. However, I found myself bored with the extensive detail. I found the best part of the book was in the last few chapters.
I've been wanting to read this for many, many years. I'm kind of disappointed that I made time to read it. It was an extremely slow read. I was bummed that it actually was not based on a true story AND wasn't culturally accurate. I tried very hard to finish this book, but it was not what I expected.
I found this story to be very engaging and enjoyable. I also thought there was an immediate connection with Chiyo/Sayuri immediately at the start of the book that remained consistent throughout My only complaint is that I thought the ending was rather summarized, but I realize that the book could not go on forever. Regardless, this book is a new favorite of mine.
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