Rating: 
Summary: This is NOT a Japanese novel
Review: I find it facinating that so many reviewers are calling a novel written by a Caucasian-American man a JAPANESE novel, just because of its setting. It is NOT a Japanese novel, it is an American novel with Japanese themes which could have been written much better than it was. I have also studied Japanese culture for years and I find the depictions of geisha very Hollywood-ized. He is just re-hashing stereotypes prevalent in Japan-themed books and movies of the 60s, 70s and 80s. He just writes as though all of his characters exist in a vacuum. I would have really liked to know why Hatsumomo was such a difficult woman or what caused Mother and Grandmother to be so bitter. The lack of explanation clearly shows his ability to write . . . or maybe he just got tired. I wonder why the author gave Sayuri gray eyes. It seemed as though he was trying to give this character western features so western readers could relate to her. Also, I am aware that many western feminists are discouraged by the portrayals of women in this book, they, too, must understand feminism simply does not exist in the same context as it does here in Japan. The author fails to convey the Japanese feminist elements of geisha--they are not as dependent upon men as this book leads you to believe. Please read books by Japanese authors on the same subject matter. They are more knowledgeable than a rich Caucasian man with a degree from an Ivy League university getting his "facts" second hand.
Rating: 
Summary: Very detailed account of life as a geisha
Review: It is amazing that a man can write something like this and be able to capture a girl/woman so perfectly. The detailed experiences are shocking and interesting. The story seems a bit slow at times but for the majority of the time I couldn't put it down. A definite good purchase.
Rating: 
Summary: A True Woman's Book
Review: I have to say that this was one of the best books I've ever read. I believe that any woman who reads it can truly relate to this young girls life. I would recommend it to anyone. Can't wait for his next book.
Rating:
Summary: Immersing and Captivating
Review: This book was a wonderful read. My wife was the one who pestered me into reading it after her, and I gladly thank her for the nagging. It was very hard to put this book down. The story was interesting and the flow never slowed or jolted. This is definitely a book to recommend to adult readers interested in the old-world workings of the Japanese society from a peasant's point of view.
Rating:
Summary: So good, even if it is fiction
Review: There are too many words to describe this book. I read it as an english project not knowing what to expect. It was introduced to me by a friend. This historical fiction is beautifully written, describing every posible detail.It takes you through the life of a young girl who grew up in a fishing village.Through some unusual circumstances, she finds her self in Kyoto, Japan, asspiring to become a Geisha.Though many might say that this story does not accurately describe modern life in Japan,well, it wasn't supposed to. This story was written in the early 1900's.(1920's - 60's) Life and morales are different over there, so what some may see as extreme and unrealistic, are acutually normal, common, occurances. Of course not everyone lived like a Geisha, but this book gives you an insight on how those select few did live lives full of traditions almost dead. This is an outstanding book, with historical accuracy, romance, suspense, and drama. A great read that you should not pass up!
Rating:
Summary: Her Final Dream
Review: Memoirs of a Geisha is about a girl that was sold by her father into a slavery kind of atmosphere. From the struggles she had and the memories that she experienced with her parents death she tells the story of how she survived through it. She became known as one of the most popular geishas in all of Gion, Japan. In the end she experienced her dream of having her danna, (a man that takes care of a geisha) the Chairman, in which she always was in love with. She finally ended up in New York in the United States and started her own little geisha teahouse. I kind of liked this book just because it was a little experience of how you could live if you were a girl in Japan, but it was just bacially about her life, which in a way is kind of boring. But overall it was nice. I read this book for a class noval reading book, my teacher actually picked it out because the cover just looked good! It was iteresting enough for me to read, even though I hate to read?!?!?
Rating:
Summary: Not reality
Review: If you want a good example of the depravity of the current "Oriental" (Orientals are rugs, not people as R. Lee has said) craze, this is the book. A good example of how things Japanese (and other Asian cultures too) are romanticized and fetishized. I dare you to go to Japan and ask (or even ask some Japanese Americans) whether this picture is relevant in any way to their lives. Don't mistake this book for reality in any way. Don't believe that this gives you a true picture of Japanese culture. This is literally a white man's fiction, no matter how beautifully written. Just keep this in mind even if you do read the book.
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable!!
Review: This book absolutely, positively rocked!! I had waited so long to read this book, dont ask me why, and I am truly happy that I have experienced everything it has to offer. For me, I was totally ignorant to exactly what a geisha was or is. This book is so touching in the way that a reader who has no idea of what a geisha is learns more about them as the main character encounters them and becomes one herself! I felt like I was learning all about geisha just as Chiyo/Sayuri was learning and experiencing it for herself! Wow....I just dont know what to say about this book. Everything is beautiful in this book.....the descriptions, the words and the twists and turns along the way are just dripping with emotion and truth. I am just truly impressed with this book and can't imagine anything more beautifully tragic!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Read
Review: I could hardly put the book down. You can't help but root for the main character to win in the end. The book was compelling, heartfelt, full of detail and imagery and worth every cent.I wish it had been set in an earlier time period, and knowing that the war was coming was not pleasant, but it was handled adequately. The sudden switch at the end was expected, which is always a let down in any book. Also, so many loose ends were not tied. Perhaps there will be a sequel book for the sister? Regardless, the book was great!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Beuty
Review: I was captured by this book from the start. It took me only 2 days to read it! I had to know it all at once. I recommend it for all without any doubts. This is a novel that refuses to stay closed.
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