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Summary: The geisha world, where every movement is structured
Review: So well done is the first-person narrative of this book, that it is hard to believe it was written by a man, and a American Caucasian man at that. It is the story of a young girl who is sold to a geisha house at the age of nine. The reader is plunged into her world, following her life through the 1930s, when there were more than 800 geishas in the city of Kyoto, through the war, and right up to today.I identified with her completely, felt her pain at her abandonment, her attempt to run away, her struggle to adapt, her innocence of what is expected of her, and the fierce competition and cruelty of the other geishas. The details of her training are fascinating -- from the way she learns to pour tea and expose just the inside of her wrist as a way of flirting -- to the discomfort of sleeping in the elaborate waxed hairdos. Her story is told simply, in a clear authentic voice. But it goes deep into what it is to be Japanese and live in a world where every movement is structured. My understanding of Japan was deepened as I got right into the skin of the characters. I read the book slowly on purpose because I just didn't want it to end, and I found myself thinking about it all the time. Don't miss the joy of reading it. I give it my very highest recommendation.
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Summary: Incredible story
Review: Having done a lot of research on modern Japanese literature, I have long been perplexed about what a geisha really is. This book is not only beautifully written and thought-provoking, but it offers a viewpoint of Japanese culture rarely seen in Japanese literature. Sayuri's life story was one of the most riveting and amazing tales I have ever encountered and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys novels and Asian culture.
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Summary: sumptious literature for all
Review: I imagine most men would be reluctant to buy, let alone read, this book because on the surface it appears to be "a woman's book". Well gents, get over it. Don't deprive yourself any longer! I read Memoirs of a Geisha because I lived in Japan for a number of years and, well, it's unusual to find a mainstream novel involving that country (or its people). But I didn't expect much. Well, the book was simply great. The novel just oozes with the feeling(/taste/smell) of Japan. Read the other reviews for further accolades. However I can't find the words to describe how well the author succeeds in transporting the reader to mid-20th century Japan. So why didn't I give it 5 stars? The author fails to fully develop some characters, which becomes increasing evident towards the end of the novel. If it weren't for this I think Geisha could easily become a modern classic by anyone's standards. ...and I can't wait until they make it into a movie! (PS - other great books involving Japan include Spring Snow and The Sound of the Waves, both by Mishima.)
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Summary: An exquisite story
Review: This history is very descriptive, you don't know how real it is, a wonderful book, it's a good way to know every detail of Geisha's life enjoying a fluid story.
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Summary: This is the book you MUST GET!
Review: This is the book i have been waiting for. I have never read a book this facinating. I never liked to read a book but not until I read this book. I feel like I am addicted to this book. I have re-read bunch times and I just can't get over with this feeling. I WISH he can publish more of his work. I HIGHLY recommanded this book to all readers.
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Summary: Compelling novel
Review: The perplexingly inconsistent ending to Memoirs of a Geisha is really the only thing that prevented me from giving the book a five-star review. I won't spoil the novel; I was simply bothered that the ending seemed rushed and lacked credibility when compared with the rest of the story. Golden has created a remarkably nuanced, interesting, and believably human narrator in Sayuri. Her voice is consistent throughout, her failings in plain view of the reader, and her emotions are utterly credible and palpable. The account of the geisha bitterly fighting each other for meagre measures of autonomy and power are comic, engaging, and bleak. Golden does an excellent job of creating a character and seeing her through a challenging life from which she mines out what treasures she can and simply survives the rest.
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Summary: Modern day Dickens?
Review: This book is very Charles Dickens-ish. Golden keeps a steady pace and manages to keep the reader interested. The book also provides good insight into aspects of Japanese culture. All in all, an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Memoirs of a Geisha
Review: I read this book 2 times. It is one of my favorite book. I didn't know anything about Geisha, as I living in Japan. I can't believe this book is fiction. During I was reading, I feel as if I'm living in Kyoto with Sayuri and other people. This is unforgettable book!
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Summary: Spellbinding
Review: For all those who want to read poetry through the meduim of story telling this is the book to read. Often literary books seem to lose sight of the story and concentrate on words, but Golden has mastered both. Consequently the book is a page turner and the words are tremendously satisfying. I loved it. Especially the metaphors and similies. Read it; it's worth the time! Sayuri's story and experience will make you cry.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable but flawed
Review: The book was definately a page-turner and I was never bored when reading it. It held my interest and many of the writer's descriptions were breathtaking. However, there were some flaws in the book as well. It seemed to almost glamorize slavery. And with the exception of Sayuri's relationship with Mameha, all the women in the book acted as enemies towards each other. Basically, the book is flawed by the author's unquestionable acceptance of patriarchy. The setting of the book is a world in which women exist as pleasure items for men with little or no say in the direction of their lives---and the sense when reading it is that the author has no problem with this. The female characters are almost always passive, except when they are trying to to appease men. I had thought Mameha had broken the passive female character mold when she asked Sayuri to be her little sister, but even then we find out later that Mameha was not acting on her own accord at all. Despite all this, I did enjoy the book and found it difficult to put down. The ending was a bit contrived and fairytale-like, but after seeing Sayuri suffer so much, I was glad for the happy ending.
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