Memoirs of a Geisha

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Summary: finally a novel!
Review: A well written book with all the fundamental elements of a novel that catch you deeply and bring you through the mysterious world of the geishe. At the end you will wish to be a geisha even if only for one day!

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Summary: Fascinating insight into another time and life
Review: I read this book some time ago, but I remember the fascination I had for a time and a way of life that a late 20th century Western woman (or man for that matter) could barely begin to imagine. I was stunned at Golden's ability to make his subject talk so realistically - I could hear her in my head as I read. I thought this was a wonderful book, well written, humourous, and instructive, and I recommend it heartily.

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Summary: Incredibly moving...
Review: A wonderfully moving, descriptive and sensusous work of fiction about a young girl's struggle through life. Although, I do feel that the ending was too erupt and without any real depth...could have been explored further or perhaps changed...too trite. Nevertheless, it was one a few novel that I simply could not tear myself away from...truly exceptional...a great novel to escape from reality...You have to read it with an open mind...

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Summary: Beautifully written novel, a great debut!
Review: Memoirs of a Geisha was a beautifully written novel, enchanting from start to finish. The reader is transported from a small town then to the intriguing geisha world in Kyoto. There were very few flaws with the novel. For one, I did not buy into the final relationship between the Chairman and Sayuri, I felt that she was in love with an idea or symbol versus the actual character. Also, there was a need for further developement in that relationship as well as some of the other subplots (i.e., Sayuri's relationship with Pumpkin, Hatsumono, and Mameha). However, the author captured the Japanese geisha culture in a spellbounding, beautifully written novel, which could not be put down! Bravo Arthur Golden!

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Summary: Engrossingly Beautiful!
Review: This is by far the best book I have read in a long time. The story gives you a window into so many worlds, not just Giesha culture but Japanese culture, war, slavery and triumph.

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Summary: Best book I have read in years
Review: After finishing this beautiful, enthralling book, I kept wondering why a Japanese writer could not have written it. Then, I remembered about the wonderful and exotic world created by Bernardo Bertolucci in his movie "The Last Emperor", and understood why. If an Asian had directed that movie, it would have been something completely different. I'm hoping that a Japanese translation of the book will come out soon, so that more Japanese people can become immersed in a world which they have never known, or almost forgotten. I would especially like my grandmother born in 1911 to read it.

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Summary: I have a new insight of the life of women in other cultures!
Review: Wow!! What a fabulous book. I want to read more about the Geisha's of Japan, and the stories they have to share. How fortunate we are to have choices that these women were never given!

Rating:
Summary: Fun, easy read. Well-written.
Review: It's hard to give this book just 3 stars. Maybe it's a 4. I have really enjoyed reading it (in 4 days) and it's hard to put down. I am not sure why the other readers are so hard against it. Of course it's fiction, but it's very interesting. Give it a try!

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Summary: Sorry to say, I couldn't get past the first two chapters.
Review: What is all the raving about. It's hard to enjoy a book when you have no interest in the characters.

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Summary: An Entrancing Novel
Review: I found this book to be entrancing. It captured my attention from the get go. I fould Golden's descriptions of the Geisha traditions and lifestyle to be beautifully described. Not to mention his ability to capture the essence of Japan during the time period. I felt as though I were sitting in some of those teahouses with Sayuri. Definately a recommended read. Not only entrancing and entertaining but also informative. I now have a new interest in reading more on the Geisha culture.