Memoirs of a Geisha : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book (except for the ending)
Review: This was a truly captivating book - Golden obviously was thorough in both his research and also the Japanese use of language. The descriptions in the book really give us insight into both pre-war Japan and also a different cultural mindset. Although Amy Tan writes about the Chinese and Chinese-American culture, this book reminded me a bit of her work, as I had the same sense of learning about a woman's role in Asian culture. The main flaw with this book is the trite ending - the love of her life, which is someone she met in passing as a girl, is the least developed character and unworthy of Sayuri. The novel deserved a less story-book ending, after such a realistic portrayal of the Geisha lifestyle.

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating and sensitively-told story
Review: This story fascinated me, especially the portions concerned with the training and rituals of the geisha world. It's a very involved society, with intricate rules for etiquette. The conflict between Sayuri and her rival keeps the reader immersed in the story.

Rating:
Summary: Bravo!
Review: This was such a great book! I don't know if this is really how geishas lived, but it is a wonderful story. I felt like I was a geisha myself, going through all the rituals and training. It is hard to believe that this book was written by a man because he seems to get into the inner pysche of women. I was sorry when I finished because I just kept wanting to read more.

Rating:
Summary: Well written but conventional ending.
Review: This is a well written book with an interesting description of life in Japan at that time. However, the lack of moral reflection on a life of prostitution (a high class call girl is still a prostitute) offends me. The complete acceptance of the validity of men taking mistresses and women living to serve men make it little more than a politically correct exhaltation of the worst in the Japanese culture.

Rating:
Summary: Only one word can describe this book: BEAUTIFUL
Review: This book is absolutley wonderful. I can not believe that these are fictional characters. I have one request for Mr. Golden- MORE PLEASE!

Rating:
Summary: Best book I've read in ages!
Review: I highly recommend this book. It is definitely NOT another boring memoir. This is really different. The life of Sayuri (Chiyo) will keep you hooked to the book. It is a pleasant and unforgettable read!

Rating:
Summary: Very interesting, unusual book
Review: I found this to be a really different book. I am not usually interested in "memoir" style books but this was excellent. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: This book takes you to another world
Review: I had to keep checking back to be sure that this book wasn't written by a real Kyoto geisha. I finished it in two days and would reccomend it to anyone!

Rating:
Summary: When words become art
Review: Memoirs of a Geisha is by far the best novel I have ever read. Reading Mr. Golden's words transported me to Japan- rather, to a Japanese painting. As much as it is highly descriptive, like a painting done with very fine brushstrokes, Memoirs of a Geisha is written in a subtle, delicate style simultaneously peaceful and riveting. I have recommended the book to three people, all of whom have thanked me profusely! Kore wa ichiban no hon desu, Golden-san. Domo arigato gozaimashita.

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant novel drawing from Japan's Geishas.
Review: This book offered a brilliant insight into the world of the Geisha. It portrayed the Geisha as something other than the mystical oriental doll-like creature often viewed as the Asian Prostitute. Instead, it gives the reader an opportunity to learn about the inner world of the Geisha, the training, the thoughts, the culture and history behind these women. The development of the characters, particularly the primary character from her childhood to the ultimate fantasy of being the Geisha to the Commander was a gem and I couldn't put the book down.