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Summary: Talking about seduction.......
Review: To be honest, I would have expected that I wouldn't be too excited about this book, considering my lack of knowledge of Japanese history and culture. Well, thinking this was a big mistake. From the first page on I felt absolutely seduced by this wonderful book, and I couldn't put it aside until I finished it. It's the astonishing story of a poor fisherman's daughter who makes it all the way to becoming one of the most famous geisha's in Japan. Impressive, brilliant, and an absolute pleasure to read. So go ahead and buy it, you won't regret it!
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Summary: The enchanting world of the geisha
Review: I read "Memoirs of a Geisha" several months ago and was captivated by the characters and the world of the geisha. As I read, I continually forgot the fact that this novel was written by an American man. The voice of the writing truly speaks as though from the character herself, which is probably the hallmark of this book.In reading the online reviews, I am quite intrigued to learn the opinions of Japanese readers. It is here that "Memoirs of a Geisha" might be judged most objectively. It is really not appropriate for most Americans to say whether or not the story or subject matter ring true, since in general we still have much to learn about Japanese culture. Many Japanese readers have championed this book, which stands as the best testament to Arthur Golden's work. I was highly amused by some readers who were convinced that the story was a true memoir dictated by a geisha, and then were offended to learn the story was fiction. Although the readers might not admit as much, this too tells of the authenticity of Golden's research and writing style. If there is one criticism I have of this book, it is that the story climaxes so abruptly that I barely enjoyed it. All Sayuri's yearnings, hopes and dreams come to a denouement in a handful of pages. It left me yearning for some of the earlier parts of the book, and searching for a somewhat more satisfying conclusion. Nevertheless, it did not truly detract from what is otherwise an engrossing, enchanting novel.
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Summary: Memoirs of a Geisha
Review: One of the most captivating books that I have ever read, Memiors of a Geisha draws the reader in with a power that few books possess. In this story of a young girl taken from all she has ever known, transplanted into a new culture, and expected to conform to semmingly ridiculus rules, the reader connects emotionally with the Suyari. Arthur Golden does a wonderful job of recounting the ficticious life of a geisha with vivid detail. Little is overlooked in this story, every action and every word and every person later connect and intertwine with one another. Suyari's love for the Chairman may appear to be the infactuation and desire of a lost little girl's heart, but, as the story progresses, that love evovles into so much more than that. This story proves, among other things, that love is blind and can surpass the boundaries of age and time. A marvelously written book, I recommend this to anyone willing enough to allow themselves to be absorbed into story, for that is exactly what it will do.
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Summary: A well-written novel, regardless of the gender of the author
Review: Arthur Golden's 'Geisha' was not as unusual as it might have seemed had I come at it unaware of the potential to identify gender in literary 'voice'. This is a beautiful fictional 'memoir' of the life of a geisha in Japan during and after WW II. The narrative of this woman's childhood, being sold into geisha-dom, her elaborate training and the generally bewildering society of the geisha was a fascinating read - especially because the sophisticated and high-cultured environment of the geisha tea houses is a relatively unknown subject. The issue of the world of the geisha is a very complex one before we can even enter into argument about the ability of a white Protestant man to write in the voice of not only a woman, but one of a dramatically different culture. I may offend my fellow feminists by saying that I believe that a well written novel (well researched, and carefully crafted) is just that, a well-written novel, regardless of the gender of the author. Unlike so many novels I have read, this one did not leave me with a lot of questions - just the wish for more. I was sorry that the last couple of decades of her life were hurried through and I understood why (that would be a different book! This one was about her years as a geisha). This is a sign of a good book - you want more!
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Summary: Brilliant
Review: I thought arthur S. Golden's book portraying the life of a sucessful Geisha was enchanting. The book is so detailed, he describes every kimono so richly that the reader feels like they are in the room with the characters. The book is so captivating because it combines the romantic lifestyle of a first rate Geisha who worked her way up from nothing amid the beautiful backdrop of the way life was in a Japanese Geisha community in the early 20th century. What makes this book so special is how unusual it it, Golden captures the sense of pride and tradition of Japan and just how tough life can be.
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Summary: memoirs of a geisha
Review: Memoirs of a Geisha, had to have been, for me, the most captivating book i could have ever read.I foud myself drawn into a world of sadness, happiness, jealousy and exotic surroundings all at the same time. Because I couldn't wait to see what would happen in the next chapter, i said up till 4:00 or so in the morning to finish it. This story follows the life of a girl named Chiyo-chan who was ripped from her family and way of life in a small, poor village, to be transported to a new and modern town. In this town she will learn to become a geisha and goes to live in a okiya( a type of apartment).There she is tormented by an older geisha, and tries to run away, to no avail. She looses all hope as the mother( or leader) of the okiya fails to believe in her, and very soon, Chiyo believes she is doomed to be a maid the rest of her life. Till one day she meets a man, who would forever change her life. Chiyo was only 9 she was taken from her parents. i'm 13, and the thought of living chiyo's life is terrible, and it makes me thankfull that i live in this time in this place. Memoirs of a Geisha will make you think, with its vivid imagry and the rich history, it will soon turn into a book you will not be able to put down.
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Summary: Totally Captivating!
Review: This was the best book I have ever read! The author has a way of capturing you at the first page, and it's very hard to close the book until you are finished. It takes a very special book for me to be interested in reading like that! I wish I could read it over again for the very first time!
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Summary: Was a "can't-put-it-down" book!
Review: This was truly one of the best and most captivating books I have ever read. It was WONDERFUL! As soon as I finished it, I passed it on to my mom and she said the same. I recommend you to go out and buy it immediately. The story of Sayuri's life was so moving and it also gave the reader a good deal of knowledge about the type of life a geisha lives. BUY IT!!!
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Summary: Exotic setting for a beautiful novel.
Review: With his obvious expertise in the subject, Mr. Golden will immerse you in the exotic society of the Geisha. Against this backdrop the author draws you into the heroines struggle first for bare survival, then for her place in this circle and her self image and finally for fulfillment and success. The prose matches the mood of the subject and the pace is just slow enough to dwell on the details that fill the images with color, scent and sound. If there is one minor annoyance, it is Sayuri's infatuation with the chairman. It is barely motivated and not supported by any deeper analysis of his character. The ending too seems a bit abrupt and unrefined in comparison to the rest of the novel. Nevertheless, this book is enchanting and a promising debut for the author.
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Summary: Engrossing, amazing and compelling
Review: I am someone not very interested in modern fiction, but after hearing the hype, I decided to pick up this book. It was fascinating, a complete page turner. It was engrossing, educational and the characters are dimensional and charming. The main storyteller whose eyes who live through, is absolutely absorbing. I don't how true some of the events are but I guess that is why it is fiction. A great book and an amazing read. Many twists and surprises, none predictable.
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