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Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Memoirs of a Geisha

by Arthur Golden
  • Critics' Consensus (2):
  • Readers' Rating (94):
  • First Published:
  • Sep 1, 1997, 434 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jan 1999, 434 pages
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Reviews

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There are currently 104 reader reviews for Memoirs of a Geisha
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Kathy

No story has ever stuck with me the way this one has. I rarely read a book more than once, but I have read this one four times, and I can't get enough of it. When it's over, I feel empty as if I've lost touch with a close friend. This gorgeously written novel is a true masterpiece.
Tami

This is one of the most enchanting novel i have read. It feels like the geisha is talking to you directly.... Must read...
rosi

This book is the most captivating work of fiction that I have ever read. I loved the way the author supported and enhanced his dreamy romance with harsh basis in reality. However, I dislike (this is my only complaint) the message that is transmitted that a bright, attractive, ambitious girl will lead an unfulfilled life until she finds a man to dote on. But I do see how this message is relavent to that culture in that time, and how it lends to the fairy-tale romance in the book. Overall, this was a wonderful experience!
Gabe

This book capturs you from the first page to the last. I could not put it down. Read it in 4 days. You really feel for the characters and can see and feel all her emotions. A must read for everybody.
Christine

I am not very eliquent with words but I have to share with you how wonderful this book is. It's a quick read, only becuase it's awful to have to set it down and leave the world you have entered when you read this book. At times I was so absorbed in the story it's as if I was there. At other times, I felt as if the main character was right in front of me telling only me the story, I could hear her voice so clearly. This is the kind of book that enters your subconscious and alters your dreams for some time after reading the book. I am planning on buying this book for all of the avid readers on my Christmas list. I borrowed the book from a friend when I read it but I plan on purchasing it so I have the ability to open it and read it whenever I'm in the mood. I will read this book over and over and I'm sure I will catch different details and certain passages will have a new affect on me each time.
Adz

amazing, the books opens a beautiful forgotten world to an audience who normally would never be able to see and even feel such a thing.


Arthur Golden's novel is a remarkable achievement, reading like an actual memoir, and thoroughly researched!

Many people think a geisha is just someone who is a professional dancer or entertainer, they don't realize these girls were actually slave-cum-prostitutes. But perhaps the best proof of Mr. Golden's talent is "her" (the book is told in the first person) "explanation" of the supposed difference between a geisha and a prostitute, and Kyoto geisha's almost snobby self-elevation above geisha from the rest of Japan. Even early on, the young girl does not see herself and other geisha as prostitutes, even though their virginity is auctioned off at 13, and though after 18 they are allowed to service their customers in exchange for money or goods and services...although a high-class geisha is supposed to "save herself" for a wealthy, and hopefully powerful "danna" (regular and exclusive customer). I think Arthur's realistic portrayal of what a "good life" would be in the eyes of such an unfortunate young girl makes the entire story far more realistic and powerful. The novel brought tears to my eyes on several occasions!
Tif

I loved this book and I just couldn't put it down! I've never read much about the Japanese cluture and this book has definitely caught my interest. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Age: 18

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