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Summary: hokum pokum
Review: Interesting on the history. Quite absorbing, actually. Very plainly and simply written. Nothing wrong with that, though the language adds no additional interest. Overly sentimental. I think you're supposed to feel sorry for her situation and cheer her toward her precious and distant love - which, of course, she gets in the end. Of course. It's a formulaic romance as far as that goes. But kudos for the research!
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Summary: A brilliant perspective of a lost lifestyle
Review: Fact and fiction is combined wonderfully in this tale. As a 23yo Aussie who lived in Japan for a year and spent time in the quaint streets of Kyoto attempting to catch a glimpse of a 'true' geisha, this book was wonderful in the way it brought to life, in my own mind, some of the women I had been searching for down my camera lens. From what I have experienced of Japanese culture in the 90's, I found the book to attempt an effective insight into parts of Japanese society as they must have been then. The book helped me to understand how some aspects of society have evolved to what I experienced today. I enjoyed the writers style of expression. However, I felt that there were many moments and emotions that could have been shared in the pages of this book, but weren't. I was suprised by some of the content and learnt one or two new things about Japan and the Japanese, despite going to university there! It is an interesting, 'saucy' (as my grandma would say) in places, read. There is a certain underlying historical importance to this book. I enjoyed it very much and think it is well worth reading. I also wonder what the Japanese themselves will think of this novel when it is printed in their language...
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Summary: I felt as if I was in Japan side by side with the Geisha
Review: Memoirs is possibly one of the best books I have ever read. The story is told in great detail about the life of not just one but several Geisha and how their lives played an important role in the establishment of their communities and the economic stability of their towns. The story is detail oriented and very descriptive and the reading is very smooth. While reading the story I felt that I was side by side with the Geisha serving tea and sake and living their lives with them. Although the story is fiction the facts surrounding them are true and therefore the reader feels as though they are reading an autobiography of a woman sharing very personal and intimate details of her life. Although this book is written from a womans perspective I think it appeals to all sexes and everyone is able to relate to the triumphs and tragedies faced by the Geisha every day. The book is centered around the town of Gion one of the famous Geisha districts of Japan. It tells the story of Sayuri, a Geisha, and her life from the time she was a very young girl until she grows to be an old woman. Memoirs shows how a simple event that happened to Sayuri at a young age changed her life forever and affected every decision she made. Sayuri comes into contact with many other charactors each different in every aspect from the way they look to their mannerisms and actions. However every charactor no matter how horrific or wonderful plays a vital role in the development of Sayuri from a poor child, to a Geisha and finally to a confident woman. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to read something that will open theirs eyes and hearts to the story of a struggling woman wanting no more in life than to be truly happy.
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Summary: How about reading real Japanese literature?
Review: "Gee, that novel was so informative!" Well, accurate renderings of a foreign culture do not necessarily a classic make. Try Kawabata, Mishima, Tanizaki, Enchi, etc. for real insights and real Japanese literature. "Memoirs" is simply a good story. Nothing more, nothing less. It telegraphs its punches pages in advance. What is all the fuss about?
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Summary: I really learned a lot about pre/post war Japan
Review: This book was great on history, and the story was rich and full of life...except for the third quarter. That was a bit sluggish. Golden really pulls it off as a Geisha!! Hmm... wonder if he's had experience...
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Summary: SO GOOD I THOUGHT IT WAS NON-FICTION
Review: I WAS TRULLY ABSORBED FOR FOUR DAYS WHILE READING THIS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN NOVEL.
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Summary: I loved it
Review: Actually, I was suprised by how much I truely enjoyed this novel and wish that some review stop over analyzing things and just try to enjoy the ride. Bravo Mr. Golden.
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Summary: nicely researched, but dreadfully dull
Review: Mr. Golden's meticulous research is commendable, but the story just didn't hold my interest. Guess I won't be reading any more NYT bestsellers as they seem to be over-rated. Back to the classics.
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Summary: A book that's very interesting and easy to read
Review: Simple words used yet described every scene vividly and well. Provided a good insight of Geisha's life.
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Summary: Interesting and foreign
Review: He (Golden) is very convincing in putting himself in the shoes of a japanese Geisha.It is not a long difficult work to read,but has a simple plot with some of the most interesting character's you could ever put into one novel.Hatsumomo and Sayuri will intrigue you .You will be watching the characters fall into either obscurity or greatness.And the transformations that the characters make is amazing.You'll fall in love immediately with the novel's plot and characters.
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