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Summary: This book was so captivating I didn't want it to end!
Review: Arthur Golden's account of this sophisicated time in Japan's history was so well-written that I found myself wishing I was a geisha despite the hard times.
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Summary: Horrifying oppression shown through a compelling tale.
Review: Most customer reviews focus on the story of the geisha, whether they think it's fascinating or dull. One from Taiwan said it was "deep and dark," and I agree. I was impressed with Golden's ability to expose a culture of oppression and rigidity in pre-war Japan, without ever saying so, and in the words of a woman who must accept it. By extension, he calls into question the values of other oppressive places and times. Pretty impressive work.
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Summary: Excelent book, but the ending could have been better
Review: This was a great book, I thought this novel was very beautifully writen and gets your atention from the start. I also thought the end could have been better,but all together the story was a nice piece of work, it was a Japanese cinderela type of story.
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Summary: A beautiful, touching tale of a secret world
Review: I read this book several months ago, and, strangely I still find myself thinking about it. I read a lot of books--several since this one--so being still in the thrall of this story is unusual for me. Usually I don't like "pat" endings, the kind that you can see coming chapters ahead. I saw this one coming and I loved it. I just waited for it because I wanted the best for this very special woman. I'll never look at a kimono the same again either. What can I say--it's a beautiful book, a gripping story.
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Summary: Excellent way to explore another culture from home!
Review: I knew nothing about geisha when I bought this book yet this sparked my interest so much that I have since read "Pictures from the Water Trade" and have purchased "Geisha". A book which sparks this much interest is definately worth reading! The ending was a disappointment..so much build up and then everything happens so fast! Perhaps I was just sad such a good read was over!!!
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Summary: If you want to be transported to the world of a Geisha.....
Review: ....You only need to read the first sentence of this incredible story. Its simple, delicate, amuzing, absolutely delicious! Metaphors are sometimes repeated but the whole atmosphere just fills ones heart. Not to be missed!
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Summary: Beautiful, though not perfect.
Review: Even as this book impacted me greatly in a very positive way, I cannot say that I have not read books that were better both in story and in style. Honestly, this book confuses me, in that I absolutely adore it - and yet, there are many flawed aspects of it. I say: there are many wonderful things in this book, but a good reader will need to separate them from the not-so-wonderful things. In the end, it has my definite recommendation.
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Summary: I couldn't put this down
Review: I read this in 36 hrs, many of which were spent in planes and waiting for planes. Although Spielberg has bought the screen rights for this work, I cannot imagine anyone being able to capture the subtle cultural nuances that we come to understand in the book. I was mildly disappointed in the ending as it seemed too "abrupt" but possibly it was just that I didn't want it to end!
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Summary: Intriguing read for those able to suspend Western standards
Review: This book offers an interesting peek into the Eastern tradition of geisha--a practice typically misunderstood and misperceived by the West. Though the book may infuriate some Western readers who are not used to championing for a character who seems to possess what they may deem an anti-feminist regard, the more aware reader will learn to follow and ultimately support Sayuri despite the differences in outlooks. A fantastic read for an open-minded person, eager to absorb the intricate and meaningful traditions and ceremonies of geisha. Those who are all-too-willing to wrongfully assign Western standards and expectations to this novel will be sorely bewildered and irritated by Golden's rather candid look into this ancient practice.
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Summary: Superb!
Review: This has been one of the best books I've ever read. This may sound like the statement of a simpleton, but I really dislike extolling the virtues of a great book - picking it apart (the hows and whys) really take away from the pure beauty of the novel. The overall mood gets chopped up. I will say that Golden did a fabulous job - plot, voice, character development - all of these were beautifully wrought. Memoirs of a Geisha is a tableau of human feeling, the joyous agonies of love and the flourishing spirit of one woman, Sayuri. Why is everyone so surprised that Golden pulled off a 'female voice' so well? He's a writer, and a writer, in all respects, should be versatile enough to execute what is thought to be difficult. A writer feels, and Golden feels best. Read this book!!
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