Rating: 
Summary: I was hoping for more, but I still couldn't put it down
Review: If you're looking for a novel about geisha culture, you've got the right book, but be prepared to get swept up in a romantic story, as well. I'm not particularly fond of romance novels but I found myself rooting for Sayuri. Once I was done, I did have to go back to the acknowledgements just to make sure that it was fiction. Thank you Mr. Golden for writing a book that is still in my head two weeks after I finished it, I love it when that happens.
Rating: 
Summary: Rebuttal
Review: To those readers who say that it is surprising that the "memoirs" were written by a man, I offer the following rebuttal:The author stereotypes women's emotions as the soap opera like manipulations of exaggerated characters like Hatsumomo (the conflicts are external rather than internal) ; he rationalizes his inability to imagine Sayuri's inner life by saying that a woman of her type wouldn't reveal herself too much (see Amazon's interview with Golden) in a memoir; he fails to imagine Sayuri's possible maternal instincts or fear of pregnancy; he suggests that female love is obsessive and idealized as in Sayuri's love for the Chairman, another stereotype; he suggests that Sayuri feels physical aversion towards Nobu but in general I think men (more so than women) want the object of love to be physically appealing. I think the book succeeds at the level of journalism but is seriously flawed as a novel. It tries to imitate Dickens in its depiction of a child being exploited by a heartless adult world, its use of nicknames and epithets for characters, and the revelation of mysterious benefactors. However, Dickens is an outmoded model for a contemporary novel. Another criticims I have is the conscious attempt to trick readers into believing that the work is nonfiction rather than fiction, a trend we have seen with "Bridges of Madison County"'s journals and the author placing himself at the scene in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" when he wasn't there. A novel should rely on being true to experience and not to try to deceive readers through gimmicks such as the phony translator's message at the beginning. The novel is worth reading in spite of its serious flaws if the reader maintains some critical judgment and doesn't accept it all as "truth."
Rating: 
Summary: Geisha wisedom
Review: I was moved with every line of this queit thriller. The wisedom and tenderness of Sayuri is displayed through out the story. I learned to appreciate the 'mysterious' world of Geisha and even searched for more information about Gion and Geisha culture. The story of Sayuri is fascinating.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining but simplistic and weak on character develop.
Review: Reading this was a bit like reading a good summer novel without much depth. It was interesting but too good vs. evil. Character development was quite weak with little understanding of the characters of the men that Sayuri was drawn to. In particular the feelings for the Chairman are not well developed.
Rating:
Summary: As satisfying a read as you will find.
Review: I kept thinking to myself: how can I be enjoying a novel abbout a Geisha? But Arthur Golden has done his homework. And the whole comes together, utlimately as a remarkable story about a character you will never forget. I love William Faulkner, and Arthur Golden is a story-teller in the tradition of Falukner.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect!
Review: This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. I couldn't put it down. It was one of those books where you can't wait to read more of it, yet you hate that your reading it so fast. I know so many reviewers have said this, but it really is amazing this book was written by a man. The detail he goes in to describing the way gisha apply their makeup, the details of their clothing, etc. This book is an exceptional read.
Rating:
Summary: A fast and fascinating read
Review: I couldn't put this book down. It was hard to beleive it is a fictional account, the voice and persona of the characters rings so true.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating story of a blue-eyed geisha.
Review: This book was devine. How a man could write this I'll never know. I could hardly believe it was a work of fiction it rang so utterly true. You'll read it in one sitting and be wishing for more.
Rating:
Summary: this book, though fiction, feels like it could be true
Review: and it gave me insight into a culture that i knew little about . . . what i find particularly amazing was that the book was written by a guy, in that it really "sounds" like the thoughts of a woman . . . for readers looking for a change of pace, this is something to check out.
Rating:
Summary: A transcendent trip into a magical and wonderous world.
Review: This was one of those books I couldn't put down but didn't want to end. Golden brings you completely into a closed world so that you feel as if you are walking alongside the characters, feeling both their pain and joy. The story covers a broad expanse in terms of time, geography, and emotions. Golden keeps it moving effortlessly.
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