Geisha
8.32 / 10 2.1M ratings
Classic- Language
- French
- Published
- 2006
- Publisher
- Livre de Poche
- Pages
- 605
- ISBN
- 9782253117957
In 1929, a young girl from a poor Japanese fishing village is sold by her father and taken to the Gion district of Kyoto. Thrust into a hidden world of tradition and ritual, Chiyo begins her new life in a geisha house, or okiya. Here, every aspect of her existence is dictated by strict rules, and her future depends on her ability to master the arts of dance, music, and conversation. She must navigate a world where a woman's worth is measured by her beauty and her ability to captivate powerful men, all while enduring the cruelty of a beautiful and established rival, Hatsumomo.
A chance encounter with a kind and influential man known as the Chairman plants a seed of hope in Chiyo's heart, giving her a secret purpose. Renamed Sayuri, her journey to become a celebrated geisha is a constant struggle for control over her own life and heart. Spanning decades, from the lavish teahouses of the 1930s to the hardships of World War II, this story unveils the rigid and elegant world of the geisha, revealing the sacrifices, rivalries, and unyielding will of a woman determined to defy her fate for a chance at love.
A chance encounter with a kind and influential man known as the Chairman plants a seed of hope in Chiyo's heart, giving her a secret purpose. Renamed Sayuri, her journey to become a celebrated geisha is a constant struggle for control over her own life and heart. Spanning decades, from the lavish teahouses of the 1930s to the hardships of World War II, this story unveils the rigid and elegant world of the geisha, revealing the sacrifices, rivalries, and unyielding will of a woman determined to defy her fate for a chance at love.
Original edition
Memoirs of a GeishaOriginally published in 1997 English Knopf
Other editions (183)
No summary for this edition yet.
What other readers say
Liked
Many readers found "Memoirs of a Geisha" to be an immersive and captivating story, praised for its beautiful, evocative, and lyrical writing style that transports them into a fascinating world. Reviewers frequently highlighted the book's ability to provide an intriguing glimpse into geisha culture and historical Japan, particularly for those unfamiliar with the subject. The narrative is often described as compelling, with many finding the story easy to read and the character dynamics, including the well-drawn antagonists, engaging. Some appreciated the author's extensive research, feeling they learned a great deal about the traditions and daily life of geisha.
Disliked
Conversely, a significant number of critiques point to the writing style as pretentious, superficial, and overly reliant on repetitive nature comparisons, which some found clichéd and forced. Many reviewers experienced the pacing as excessively slow, leading to a feeling that the plot stagnated or dragged on, with little significant development. Characters were often perceived as unrealistic, flat, or emotionally disengaging, with the protagonist sometimes criticized for being passive or for exhibiting questionable motivations. Concerns were also raised about the book's historical and cultural authenticity, with some discerning a Western bias or a "faux-Asian" tone. The ending was frequently described as rushed, disappointing, and lacking proper closure, leaving readers with unanswered questions or a sense of indifference. Ethical issues regarding the author's use of a real geisha's confidential life story were also a prominent point of contention.
In short
Overall, "Memoirs of a Geisha" is seen as a widely popular and entertaining work of historical fiction, though one that is far from perfect. While it offers a compelling and often beautifully told narrative, particularly for those seeking an introduction to Japanese culture, it is not universally regarded as an authentic or deeply nuanced portrayal. Readers who appreciate immersive, character-focused stories of individuals overcoming adversity, and who are prepared to approach the text as fiction with a critical eye, may find it a memorable read. However, those looking for fast-paced action, profound cultural insight, or complex, relatable characters might find themselves less engaged.
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