Rating: 
Summary: An excellent book despite the ending
Review: I must admit, despite the shallowness of Sayuri's obsession for the chairman, I enjoyed this book. I could not put it down and even read it during class, lectures, and when I should have been doing homework. The ending was a little dissapointing, but I think the point of the book was to have an insight into the life of a geisha. Most westerners have very little knowledge of Japanese culture and history. I think Mr. Golden not only wrote a book that was educating, but so enchanting that you couldn't tell you were beign given a history lesson. Wonderful book overall and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Puzzled by the bad reviews? Read on...
Review: I am a psychoanalyst and have for years been fascinated by people's responses to literature. Here's something well-known in my field but talked about very little outside it: the response of a reader to a book like Memoirs of a Geisha is a test of the reader's ability to tolerate a certain kind of psychic stress. This certainly doesn't suggest that people who don't like the book have something wrong with them. But the novel is an indisputable tour de force, and even the Japanese are fascinated by the author's ability to project himself into this unusual world. Are there problems with the book? No doubt there are. But if you're puzzled by some of the strongly negative reviews, just keep in mind that not everyone is capable of responding to a book like this one, because not everyone brings sufficient empathy to the task. I don't mean to suggest that these are people who kick their dogs, but, well, you get the idea.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing writing
Review: When I picked up this book, I was ready to be amazed and not once did it disappoint me. The way Arthur Golden describes the kimonos and the way of life, was absolutely breath-taking. The life of geisha is so intriguing. I plan to read up on more books about geisha.
Rating: 
Summary: Bibbiti, bobbiti, boo-san.
Review: Have you noticed how many of the readers reviewing this book compared the story to "Cinderella," and how many complained about the author's overuse of metaphors?Gosh, and there's a character named "Pumpkin"! And the evil woman with whom Sayuri goes to live is her "[step]mother," complete with some wicked stepsister types hanging around! And Sayuri's big crush, who "rescues" her, is called "[Prince]Chairman"! How many more can YOU find! Mr. Golden, your overall metaphor was painfully obvious enough without such "clever" clues. It is just appalling to realize we live in a world where so many people love a book like this. But I guess it shouldn't be a surprise -- look how many Harlequin romances sell. I wish these women who adore this romaticized junk about submissive, helpless women would give really good books -- including well-written romantic fiction, if that's what you like; there's nothing wrong with that! -- a chance.
Rating:
Summary: capitvating....................simply captivating
Review: Madonna had recommened this novel, and so do I. Memoirs of a Geisha is a breathtaking peice of art! A good book for anyone that has ever though of the giesha as just a mistress......... I will never forget this book
Rating:
Summary: the best book I've read all year
Review: this is the BEST book I've read all year! totally convincing, and told in such a vivid manner....I love geishas now! Heck, I wanna go to Japan just to meet some! The story is great, and helps educate people (on what geishas were really like, and what they really had to go through)
Rating:
Summary: beauty and depth
Review: This is an excellent book. Golden really sees into the heart of things, where there are truths that apply to all people of every time and place. Even though these "memoirs" were written by a man about a girl in a culture and era very different from mine, I was amazed to find that, as I read, I was holding the glass up to myself, and looking into my own heart and mind. This book is elegant and moving. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: What a story!
Review: This is a wonderful story. Golden brings the characters alive. I read it in one sitting (I stayed up until about 3 in the morning on a school night). Definitely a book that will live on for a long time.
Rating:
Summary: A book that draws you right into the world of geisha
Review: From the very beginning, I was completely drawn into this book. Nitta Sayuri's life, though fiction, is fascinating. The book is even more enthralling knowing that Arthur Golden spent so much time researching geisha culture before writing it, so you know it is based on fact.
Rating:
Summary: A must read story! Wonderfully done, except for the ending.
Review: I was glued to the words of this book from the beginning. It is erotic, exotic, and so well written you feel as if you are in Japan watching the story unfold. The ending however left much to be desired. I felt that the last 50 pages or so did not do justice to the book. It felt as if the author was suddenly tired of writing and quickly wrote an ending. It lacked the great story telling that the rest of the book has. I would, however, recomend this book highly.
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