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Summary: Mesmerizing; the reader is instantly absorbed.
Review: Arthur Golden's 'Memoirs of a Geisha' is an astonishing and ingenious work of fiction. From the descriptions of her first day as a maid in the okiya, as little Chiyo from an old fishing villiage, to the day she determines to become a successful geisha, and all the struggles she endures in attempting to reach her goal, Sayuri's story comes alive. The book affords a glimpse into an exotic, provocative world where beauty, grace, and cleverness hold sway. Frankly honest and elegantly lyrical, the it gives the impression of containing the actual confessions of a successful and celebrated geisha. The reader drowns willingly in a quicksand of fascination from the very first page. 'Memoirs of a Geisha' is a brilliant, breathtaking novel of paralyzing dimensions. Golden's debut into the world of literature is worthy of being remembered for generations to come.
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Summary: I absolutely loved it!!!
Review: If you are at all interested in learning about the life of a geisha, read this book. It was so well written that by the time I finished it, I felt as if I had known Sayuri for years and I was truly sad to see her go. Once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down!
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Summary: a very interesting and involving read
Review: I just finished this book. I read it in just a few days, as it is very engrossing. It's great for people who enjoy historicl fiction. I wasn't thrilled by the love story portion, as I thought it wrapped up a bit too quickly in the very end. The narrative was beautiful and the author does a great job of convincing you that you are actually listening to the story of an actual geisha telling the story of her life.
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Summary: Fascinating Giesha facts but ultimately mediocre fiction
Review: The first third of this book promised a wonderful story, but the rest of the book disappointed, as it turned into a primer on geisha life, and the story grew thin and unintersting. As soon as the author reached the "geisha" part of his epic, he wandered into a factual textbook on geisha life, just barely maintaining a plot line to justify his sharing of the fascinating cultural experience of geisha life. And while it is indeed fascinating ( I found myself eagerly finishing the book just to learn about this unbelieveable lifestyle) ultimately the writing, story, and conclusions were unsatisfying, poorly written, and unbelieveable. What a shame, as it started with such interesting character development. This is still worth reading, but understand that you are reading for education, not for literary reward.
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Summary: A compelling read. It's hard to believe a man wrote it!
Review: I normally don't read books on the bestseller list, but I picked this up at a bookstore in Manhattan and found I just wanted to plow through it. It's not just that I'm fascinated by Japanese culture. I felt Golden's writing was sensitive and informed. I think he put enormous research into the book -- something he should be applauded for. I loved his lyrical style and felt that although the world of geishas have vanished -- it tells us much about modern day Japan.
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Summary: A great book. I could not put it down.
Review: This is a beautiful story which was eloquently communicated by the author
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Summary: I didn't want this book to end..
Review: I bought this book in November while on vacation, read the first few pages, put it down, and didn't pick it up again until last week, and then I couldn't put it down....it is a fascinating look at Japanese culture.....at once sad, and full of hope. The only criticism I have is only that I wish we could have learned more about the Chairman and had a better sense of his thoughts throughout the book....but overall, a great, moving read......hope he writes another book soon!
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Summary: Absolutely, utterly great!!!
Review: I first heard of this book when I bought it online for a christmas present, and not until an month later did I borrow a friend's copy and read it myself. At the beginning I was just reading it to see what it was all about...by the second chapter I was curious about what happened and got more involved in Sayuri's life. This book was the first time I have ever actually really, really been involved and enraptured by the main chracter's feelings...I hated Hatsumomo, felt sad about Pumpkin, and even felt grateful when Mameha became her older sister; but the time when i knew that this wasn't like any other book I've read was when I was getting very nervous and frightened for Sayuri when the Baron was "giving her a present". All in all, this was one of the best books I've ever read and I recommend it to everyone!!!
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Summary: Just the book I needed
Review: I read a good review in NY Newsday, and figured I'd never get around to read it since I am a full time working mom. One day as I trudged through the mall, loaded down with packages of children's clothes & a slow moving 2yr old, I saw "Memoirs of a Geisha" in the window of a bookstore. "I deserve this" - I bought it. I have no regrets for the many nights I finally turned off the light at 3AM. I was transformed to another world & another time. I've always been interested in Japanese culture, but wasn't interested in a trashy novel. This is exactly what I needed. I missed reading books, and this is what I needed to bring me back.
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Summary: Truly an eye-opening read
Review: I read "Memoirs..." while on vacation recently and had a hard time putting it down. The book is written as though the author was the Geisha. I am a distant admirer of the Japanese culture; their traditions, their rituals and their disciplines. Never before have I felt such sadness, and yet respect for a character in a book as I have this one. Taken from a life she knew and dropped in to a life she certainly wouldn't not have entertained, young Sayuri was obedient. Many times, she was like a 'lamb being led to the slaughter' and yet somehow she survived. I have recommended this read to several friends, and have in fact, already loaned my book. I hope it never comes back, but makes it's way to through the hands of many readers.
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