Tatiana
Memoirs of a Geisha was an incredible book to read. I do not consider myself a person who often reads, but once I began to read this book, I was completely infatuated and hooked to it. In result to that, I finished it in three days. It was an aweing novel that I will never forget. I am only sixteen years old and this story has already greatly influenced me in many ways. The story felt so real and it was yet very original. I recommend it to anyone of any age.

Debbie
I have just finished reading this brilliant novel. Definitely a must read page-turner. I have never read a book quite like it, I found it compelling. Much respect to Mr Golden.

Lucy16
I found this book more interesting than emotional. The use of diluted metaphor allowed one to sympathies with the character of Saruri yet not really empathize with her. However I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and I would recommend it to others as both an insightful and educational read.

Aporup
A lovely book. Touching. Like so many other readers, I too felt alongside Sayuri throughout her travails and her journey through life. At no time did I feel that I was seeing Japan and its Geisha culture through an outsider's eyes. It's authenticity, and my feeling of closeness and empathy with Sayuri, probably is brought out by the way she takes moments out of her narration to explain to us things Geisha.
However, the book actively eschewed any elaboration and description of the dances, the music, the culture and the arts that make up a Geisha's life. The steamy bits, if you could call them that, were more prominent.
After reading this book, I immediately felt like I wanted to meet Sayuri, or go to Japan during that time, or at least eat Japanese food. The mood of pre-war Japan and the world of a Geisha is palpable and poetic at once.
Sigh! What a read!

Veronica
This is the most fascinating and inspiring book I have ever read. I could put it down, and yet I did not want to finish it. It made me laugh, cry and think all at the same time. Absolutely brilliant.

Paul Buchannan
If you like a book that focuses on noble suffering then 'Memoirs of a Geisha' is the book for you. Using detailed descriptions, mesmerising metaphors and ingenious imagery that is most fitting for the period 1930’s – 1950’s, the author Arthur Golden takes us through the life of a Geisha in Japan.
A little girl called Chiyo-Chan believes that her father has sold her into a life of slavery. However, during her long transformation Chiyo-Chan realises that her life is not so bad in comparison to other Japanese women. Forced to change her name; her new title and life puts her into contact with Japanese dignitaries, politicians, and aristocrats. All this would not have been possible if she had not worked to become one of Japan’s most celebrated Geisha’s or the countries most serving woman.
Arthur Golden is clever not to embark on a feminist trip. Chiyo-Chan accustoms herself to her environment in a non-judgemental way thereby giving the reader the chance to make up his/her own mind. By not ramming down our throats possible injustices we are soon made aware that it is not only women who are suffering from a Geisha’s life. We are shown that this type of life-style – often viewed in the form of a mistress and/or termed as prostitution by many Westerners - can have a damming effect on men also.
By formulating characters that naturally carry disturbed passions Arthur Golden emerges with a Japanese style love story, and unashamedly uses (as was the time) the droppings of a nightingale to enhance the beauty of Nitta Sayuri formally Chiyo-Chan. For all those men and women who are at odds with their choices in love Memoirs of a Geisha is a must.

Naomi
When I read this I was blown away and felt that I was right next to Sayuri as her life went on. Once I started reading this magnificent book I couldn't stop. Even after reading it three times, I still want to read it again and again. I recommend it and give it five out of five.

Iain McCorquodale
I was already in the middle of another book, when I picked up my copy of Man and Boy. As an ex-pat Brit in Canada, I was especially looking forward to Tony Parson's exploration of the New Lad as new parent. So, I gave in to temptation and curiosity and sampled a few pages in advance of sitting down to read it properly. It was looking promising until I hit this sentence: "The trunk was smaller than a supermarket cart". OK! It's a British book, by a British author and set in Britain with British characters who drive British cars and shop at British supermarkets. When you go grocery shopping you use a shopping trolley and then take the groceries back to the car and put them in the boot.
Ye Gods! Has the whole thing been bowdlerised in that way? I suspect it has and I only hope it doesn't render the whole book unreadable. Do all US publishing houses do this? I knew that they'd done it to the Harry Potter books and it's almost defensible on the grounds of making it accessible to children who won't have had exposure to the cultural differences. (Personally, I don't buy that argument, but I can see that it may have some merit.) This is different. Do they think that readers will be so baffled by the different terminolgy that the book will be indecipherable without these amendments? It's difficult to see this as anything less than cultural arrogance and disdain for their readers.

Thom Hanser
I knew in advance that Sanders was not the author of this book. I purchased it and read it because for any reason I was happy to see Archie, etc. live on. The book was well written, in fact I think it a little fresher than Sanders latest efforts. My problem with the story is that it's so redundant of earlier McNally episodes. I think it's time for Archie to grow up, he needs to trade in the Miata for a Porsche, take over the company and let "the guv" and Madeline have a rest. I also want to see him in his own diggs, ultra modern furniture, Brooks Brothers, and Hickey Freeman suites. I want to see Connie inherit the estate from her boss. The Pelican Club can stay put for the time being. The updated Archie, will I'm sure add to the legacy of this fabulous personality.

Kim
I was deeply depressed when I heard of Mr. Sanders passing. He has been my favorite author for years. So when I found McNallys dilemma, I was overjoyed. I thought this was a book Mr. Sander s was working on at the time of his death. I had no idea it was written entirely by someone else. I am half way through the book and am totally enjoying it. Some parts are a little more wordy and less witty than Mr. Sanders would have written them, but overall I am glad that the McNally tradition carries on for my reading pleasure. Never realized Archie has a sister, that part was interesting. Does she pop up in later stories? Kim N.Y.

Joanne
Like so many others, I found it deceitful to pass Lardo off as Sanders. I would think it would be illegal! I thought this book was a little off Sanders' usual caliber, but gave allowance to "nobody being at their best all the time". Lardo actually didn't do a bad job & I'm sure he's an excellent writer. I feel, though, that he should create his own series & not be allowed to lessen Sanders' works. I'm sure that if Lardo comes up with his own characters, they will shine in their own right. And I would try them out!

Beth
Like so many other readers I was also hoodwinked into buying this book. I didn't discover until I was part way through it that it wasn't written by Mr. Sanders. I think this is wrong to prominently display Mr. Sanders name, especially when the book is in the rack at the store this is all you see. The book was okay, I figured out the perpetrator within the first part of the book though so and really it was kind of a rehash of the Lana Turner killing thing. So that I thought was a little simpleton. The style was Sanders with a little bit of overdo.
I'm not sure I would buy another book by Mr. Lardo. I'm not that hard up for reading, I read all of Mr. Sander's books and that is why I bought this one, thinking it was one of his.

Garner
With the passing of Lawrance Sanders, I felt as if I'd lost a close friend, as I believe I've read everything he had written. I also felt a close relationship with his fictitional character, Archie McNally. Thankyou, Vincent Lardo, for a job well done, and keeping my friend Archie, alive and well, in the great tradition that was started by Mr. Sanders. I'm looking forward to the next adventure.

Rob
Like many others, I was conned into buying a book that I legitimately thought Lawrence Sanders wrote. But loving the Archie character, I read on. Reading this book was like watching television through tissue paper. Yes, Archie, Connie Garcia, Hobo, and Lolly were there, but I couldn't tell where. And why, Mr. Lardo, are you trying to pass yourself off as Lawrence Sanders? The estate should be ashamed of itself as should Putnam Books. I see the same sham in the title of the next "Sanders substitute" book by Lardo, "McNally's Folly." Same deceptive cover. Come on Putnam, where's your integrity? And Mr. Lardo, send me a copy of your next Archie McNally look alike . . . I have some good suggestions how to bring some color into Archie's cheeks. Couldn't we all?

Jeanne
I saw the Sander name and McNally and grabbed the book - then noticed another name and thought " Oh well, I'll try It" even thought it put me in mind of the churning out of V.C. Andrews nonsense. Well, I was a little disappointed - usually a McNally book perks along with word plays and sauciness. This one seems to plod and I'm not sure why. Even if his flabber was gasted there seemed to be more mean spirits than fun poking. Let Sanders rest in peace not pieces.

Donna
This book could have been called "Donna's Dilemma." Knowing that it wasn't written by my beloved Lawrence Sanders, I wasn't sure I even wanted to read it but the lure of Archy McNally was too strong to ignore. I wish I had. It certainly wasn't a horribly written book, but it made me miss Lawrence Sanders even more. I will miss Mr. Sanders--and Mr. McNally--but it seems wrong to keep the series going just so the book company can make money off the name. I will just have to keep rereading all of the originals.

Leslie from Connecticut
When I saw a new "McNally's" book at the store, I grabbed it and brought it home. That was when I discovered that it was written by Vincent Lardo with the permission of Mr. Sanders estate. They picked a winner as far as I am concerned. Had I not read the name of the author prior to reading the book, I would not have thought anyone other than Lawrence Sanders had written it. His passing saddens me, however, I am thrilled to see Archie McNally and his crew live on.

Linda
When I picked up my copy of McNally's Dilemma and saw another author's name besides the beloved Lawrence Sanders I was skeptical, but optimistic. I am only halfway through this book, but oh my goodness! Do I ever miss Mr. Sanders! I'm sure Mr. Lardo is an excellent author, buy Archy and his parents are such elegant characters, and under the current treatment, Mrs. M has become instead of just the very-well functioning but admittedly lovable ditz almost incoherent. And Prescott McNally has been turned almost into something almost ugly. Connie, Binky, Uri, Jamie, and even Hobo....where did you go? There are imposters in your place.

Marty
I loved the latest Archy McNally romp, even though Mr. Sanders died several years ago. I think Mr. Lardo captured the style of the McNally series, and I can't wait for the next one due to be released this summer. But why wasn't there a bullet hole in the shirt?

Lynne
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lawrence Sanders, who has been a favorite author of mine since I discovered his books at the age of fifteen. I was even more saddened to learn that more books will continue to be published under his name. It doesn't seem fair that other people are benefiting from his genius for story-telling. I will not read any Vincent Lardo books unless they are published under his own name and not under Lawrence Sanders.