Memoirs of a Geisha

Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable, captivating experience
Review: Not since my childhood introduction to the "classics" have I been so intrigued by a novel. I cannot recall the last time I found myself in possession of such a brilliantly told story, narrated by an equally accomplished author. Golden has created a masterpiece filled with both historical integrity and human dignity. I found myself slowing the pace of my reading to prolong my interest and pleasure, while learning to appreciate the complexities of this beautiful, if not at times, cruel culture. I have recommended this book to every woman I know.

Rating:
Summary: sure it's informative but so is an encyclopedia
Review: why are people so impressed by the fact that golden can write in geisha drag but nobody ever says anything about, say, kazuo ishiguro's wonderful novels in the first person about upper-class, caucasian brits? read "remains of the day" -- it starts somehwat slow but picks up amazingly. "remains of the day" brought me to tears on the bus and i make it a point never to show any emotion in the public transit system. okay, golden writes well, and he obviously knows what he's writing about. that much i give him. and as a feminist, i think that his book (indirectly) critiques the oppressiveness of the geisha culture (and i suppose the larger culture, as well) at that point in time. however, sayuri still remains a flat character to me -- events register to her as though she were perpetually a child, and a stupid one at that. fashion gets more of a reaction out of her than tragedy. it's not because golden is a man -- there are quite a few male authors out there who write effectively in women's voices -- but because he's become so bogged down in the details, the mechanics of the daily life of the geisha that he forgets about making his characters human instead of cardboard cut-outs -- this is just like star wars: the phantom menace! i mean, come on! the hooker with the heart of gold, the greedy, conniving pimp, the prince charming (albeit a geriatric one), the evil witch. string that together, slap on some obscure cultural references and bingo! you've got a book ready for hollywood exploitation!

Rating:
Summary: does not live up to its hype
Review: This is why I was told never to read the back of a book. Although the story and plot line is involving and thought provoking, this book was ultimately a disappointment. The intricate details and nuances that pack this book evoke vivid imagery but some of it is unecessary and can grow tiresome towards the end. It also causes the pace to be even and consistant to a fault. There's a lack of complexity in the characters; they're shallow, contrived and 2-dimensional. I don't think any of them show much mental growth and self-awareness. The writing and the metaphors felt stereotypically eastern; Golden does not overall convince me that this is a Japanese voice, let alone female. And, I could not believe the happy ending. In "a decade of crushed hopes," Sayuri's dream comes ture. How romantic. How typical. How trite, even though it was that only part of the book that was not predictable. I wondered when I was finished, why this book had to be a fictional memoir. This book was an easy and quick read. It was interesting, but maybe for the sole reason that I was not too familiar w/the geisha culture. The provacative, exotic subject matter and the lack of exposure most westerners have to the culture seem to be the largest contributing factors to the success of the book. There are memorable and shining moments sprinkled throughout; however, it is not that well written and the plot could have been more subtly composed.

Rating:
Summary: beautifully crafted portrait of a byegone era
Review: I was skeptical when I started reading, mainly because of a negative review I'd read months before casting doubts on Arthur Golden's qualifications to write from a Japanese woman's point of view. The reviewer didn't know what he/she was talking about. I've lived in Japan for 10 years and while my main acquaintance with the world of geisha is through Liza Dalby's wonderful ``Geisha,'' I couldn't fault Golden on authenticity about Japan. After the first 90 pages or so of darkness I though this better lighten up soon or I don't think I can take it. But I really couldn't put it down. Beautiful and satisfying.

Rating:
Summary: A Bittersweet Masterwork!
Review: What is there to say about this novel? Words alone cannot describe the incredible imagery, use of metaphor, vivid narration, and all-around brilliance that makes "Memoirs of a Geisha" what it truly is. A magnificently beautiful and fascinating accomplishment from a writer with an other-worldly gift. The characters are always captivating and truly unforgettable...Sayuri, Mameha, Hastumomo, the Chairman, Nobu, Pumpkin, Satsu, Tanaka, Mother--is it humanly possible not to be moved by them all? I know my life has been changed by this wondrous work, and I will be forever haunted by its magical examinations of joy, despair, power, cruelty, friendship, yearning, and the quest for a better life. Brilliant and beautiful beyond belief.

Rating:
Summary: excellent writing
Review: The quality of Golden's writing is far superior to so much of the schlock out there right now. I was fascinated by the story from the very beginning and held to the very end. Excellent story!

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant and Original
Review: This book is one of the most engaging reads ever. Teeming with evocative images and haunting characters, "Memoirs of a Geisha" envelopes you immediately into the mysterious world of the geisha. The reader feels as if s/he is accompanying the protagonist throughout the teahouses of Kyoto and enjoying a privileged glimpse into this often cutthroat existence. Its pace is brisk and leaves you wanting more at the finish, which comes much too soon. A riveting work, beautifully written and highly original.

Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: I was intrigued by the first 2/3 of the book, the ending less so. It will make a great movie.

Rating:
Summary: This book took me away...
Review: What an outstanding read this was. I've never been to Japan, but I feel I know exactly how it looks, feels, and smells -- all through the eyes of a young Japanese girl. What impressed me most is that, although I didn't like some of the things the protagonist did, and I certainly didn't agree with her motives at times, I couldn't resist the attraction this character holds. I couldn't put the book down.

Rating:
Summary: A deliciously compelling and informative read
Review: The imagery and descriptive qualities used by Golden in this novel allows the reader to be transported to Gion and lives the life through the geisha's eyes as if they were your own. I thought this novel was interesting and superbly captured the essence and time necessary to create a great 'memoir' and story.