Showing posts with label geisha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label geisha. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Book Review - Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

 

Nitta Sayuri tells her story of her life as a geisha as she reminisces in her old age. Her story began in 1929 in a small poverty filled fishing village. She was nine-year-old girl with beautiful unusual colored eyes. Her father made the decision to sell her and her sister into slavery to a geisha house. There she transforms from a young girl into a young woman learning the rigorous arts of being a geisha.  She learns the art of dance and music while entertaining her clients. While at the geisha house she has to learn to deal with a dangerous rival who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

The book was an enchanting read and it felt like we were getting a glimpse of a previously unknown world. The novel did move a bit slowly in the beginning and it felt a bit rushed in the end but, I thought it was an enjoyable read. I liked reading about Sayuri's journey but, towards the end of the novel I didn't care for her. I understand that she was trying to take control of her life but, I felt like she treated people like pawns. Overall, I can see why this book is a fan favorite.