Memoirs of a Geisha

by Arthur Golden
Memoirs of a Geisha cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Historical Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5496
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780099771517
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Memoirs of a Geisha is an epic tale that offers a vivid and intimate portrayal of a disappearing world. The story follows a young peasant girl who is sold into servitude and trained as a geisha in a renowned geisha house. Through her eyes, we witness the intricate rituals, the beauty, and the cruelty of this enigmatic world. The novel spans a quarter of a century of Japan's dramatic history, blending personal narrative with historical events to create a rich and compelling narrative. Written in cool, lucid prose, the book delves deeply into the psychological complexities of its characters, offering outstanding empathy and historical truths. It is a story of resilience, transformation, and the enduring human spirit, set against the backdrop of a culture both mesmerizing and harsh.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2025-10-24
breathtaking 5.00

The book is life-changing and offers a unique perspective on geisha culture. It provides a deep and moving exploration of a disappearing world.

This reviewer found the book to be a transformative experience, praising its ability to transport them into the world of geishas. They highlighted the deep emotional impact the story had, particularly in its portrayal of a vanishing culture. The narrative was described as both beautiful and poignant, leaving a lasting impression. They also mentioned how the book served as a palate cleanser from more modern reads, offering a refreshing and enriching experience.

Quick quotes

    I just finished reading Memoirs of a Geisha and it was life changing.

    The book offers a unique perspective on geisha culture and historical events.

    It provides a deep and moving exploration of a disappearing world.

Efsunland · 2016-07-13
disappointing 2.00

The book is disappointing as it lacks engaging conversations and feels awkward. The historical context is well-detailed, but the narrative falls flat.

This reviewer found the book to be a letdown, particularly due to the lack of compelling dialogue. They mention that for a story centered around the art of conversation, the interactions between characters were surprisingly dull. The historical backdrop is rich and well-researched, but it doesn't compensate for the awkward pacing and underdeveloped characters. Overall, they felt the book missed the mark in delivering a truly immersive experience.

Quick quotes

    For all the talk of how geisha can hold a conversation, good conversation is hard to find in this book.

    This is an awkward and slow-paced narrative that fails to captivate.

    The historical context is well-detailed, but the story itself is lackluster.

A Haven for Book Lovers · 2016-01-11
thrilling 4.50

The book is thrilling with dramatic rivalries and rich cultural insights. The narrative is engaging and well-paced.

This reviewer was captivated by the drama and tension between the characters, particularly the rivalry between Sayuri and Hatsmumo. They appreciated the depth of cultural insights provided, which added layers to the story. The pacing was well-balanced, making it an engrossing read from start to finish. They also noted the vivid descriptions of geisha life, which enhanced the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    It has everything that makes a thrilling read.

    The drama in the form of a bitter rivalry between Sayuri and another Geisha, Hatsmumo, is particularly engaging.

    The book offers a rich tapestry of geisha culture and historical events.

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