Books : Memoirs of a Geisha: A Novel (Vintage Contemporaries)

by: Arthur Golden  Average Rating:
Product Description:

According to Arthur Golden's absorbing first novel, the word 'geisha' does not mean 'prostitute,' as Westerners ignorantly assume--it means 'artisan' or 'artist.' To capture the geisha experience in the art of fiction, Golden trained as long and hard as any geisha who must master the arts of music, dance, clever conversation, crafty battle with rival beauties, and cunning seduction of wealthy patrons. After earning degrees in Japanese art and history from Harvard and Columbia--and an M.A. in English--he met a man in Tokyo who was the illegitimate offspring of a renowned businessman and a geisha. This meeting inspired Golden to spend 10 years researching every detail of geisha culture, chiefly relying on the geisha Mineko Iwasaki, who spent years charming the very rich and famous.
Rating: - One of my favorite books!
This book held my interest more than any book in a long time. Really gives an insite to the Japanese world of Geishas and many other aspects as well. Beautifully written, I was very shocked to find out it is a work of fiction written by a man, though he interviewed former geishas and looked into the subject very much in order to write the book. Even though it is not true memoirs, I still loved it, and highly recommend, can't wait to se the movie!

---

Rating: - disappointed...a little
I am compelled to tell you right up front - this book is a visually evocative, rich and full of magnificent detail, such that you can feel the texture of the silk, almost smell the aroma of tea and sense the tightly ordered society. It was, in that regard simply one of the most transporting experiences a reader can have.
Read More

---

Rating: - Beautifully written
I had heard so many good things about this book and I decided to read it even though I felt I would be deceived as I had high expectations... I was amazed at how well this book was written and how meticulous Arthur Golden was in describing Japanese art and Geishas... I was stunned that an American man could depict such a beautiful story and be so sensitive. I was impressed. It is the most beautiful book I have ever read and is a favorite.