I've read Memoirs of a Geisha (1997) by Arthur Golden several times in the past few years and really enjoy it. I have no idea how "real" it is or if the author made up a lot of the things he wrote about becoming a geisha and about Japan at the time of the novel. I did not read it for historical accuracy. I read it for the first time because it was recommended to me by quite a few people. I read it each time since just because it is a good read; quite a lyrical style in fact.
Memoirs of a Geisha is the story of a little girl, sold off by her father, who is trained to be a geisha. Her life is not luxurious but rather strenuous, difficult, sad and harsh. Reading the back story and then reading glamourous paragraphs about her as a geisha are the two sides of her story.
The one time I read the book was for an informal book club I belonged to with several friends. I was host of the month we discussed "Geisha". As part of the refreshments I painted orange blossoms on little shot glasses and served sake. The funny faces of some of my guests were photo worthy. It also turned out that I like sake. Who knew?
The one time I read the book was for an informal book club I belonged to with several friends. I was host of the month we discussed "Geisha". As part of the refreshments I painted orange blossoms on little shot glasses and served sake. The funny faces of some of my guests were photo worthy. It also turned out that I like sake. Who knew?
I have watched the movie version a couple of times and, while it is pretty good, it did not come close to the depth and beauty of the book.
Enjoy Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden.
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