Opinions on Memoirs of a Geisha- please.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2005
Opinions on Memoirs of a Geisha- please.
8
Wed, 07-27-2005 - 3:49pm

did you read it? did you like it? did you LOVE it?

I just joined a small women's group and thought it might be a good read... although i traditionally don't like historical novels- I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

thanks-

Avatar for arizonagal
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Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 07-27-2005 - 4:57pm

It's been a year or two since reading it but really did enjoy it. The author did some intense research which took a while but the writing is worth the outcome. The novel takes places from 1929 through about the end of WW II. The narrator describes her life from the time as a daughter of a poor fisherman (or is it farmer?) to when she's auctioned into the life of a geisha. Her childhood is basically left behind and her journey is a hard one. There are rewards as well and Golden (is that the author?) seems to balance out her life and events throughout the book. For something different, I'd recommend reading it just to get a glimpse into that world. After reading "Memoirs" I came across another book - this one is NON-fiction - written by Mineko Iwasaki. She was the real thing - a geisha in modern times. She actually chose the life of a geisha when only 5 or 6 years old! Believe she started in the 1950s or 1960s. Iwasaki is considered one of the best in geisha history. The life was not as difficult as someone would have who started in the earlier part of the century. She is now retired and happily married.
If you're interested, her book is titled "Geisha: A Life". Definitely worth the read.

Donna

Avatar for cl_ladibbug
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 07-27-2005 - 6:56pm

Hi Not So Far,


First, Welcome!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Wed, 07-27-2005 - 8:09pm
New to posting here, but not new to lurking. I read Geisha about 4 years ago. I thought it was very good. The detail in the book to me was fascinating it really taught you about another culture; however for me it was a slow read. Most things are these days, unless I'm reading something really light like Danielle Steele or Nicholas Sparks.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2003
Wed, 07-27-2005 - 10:17pm

ooo Loved Loved Loved it! One of my favorites. The only thing that didn't work for me was the romance. I just never felt the chemistry, but fortunately it was a very small aspect of the story.


Also happy to see the non-fiction suggestion. I think I'll give it a try. FYI - My dad always recommends Teahouse of the August Moon (the novel, not the play) whenever I gush about Memoirs.

La Vie en

Avatar for lucy4980
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 1:17pm
This was an incredibly interesting book. I aboslutely loved it. It was very well written and the characters are very engaging. And, it was a glimpse into a world I knew nothing about. Fascinating. I read it twice.
Avatar for cl_ladibbug
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 3:58pm

Waving Hi & Welcome, NE Mom 2002 :)


Hi, thank you for stopping by and adding your comments about "... Geisha".

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2003
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 11:02pm

it's been a few years since i read it, but i do remember enjoying it - i think a movie version is in the works for this book already too


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Sun, 07-31-2005 - 7:33pm

Thank you. I do lurk quite a bit, but mostly to get ideas on what to read. I had read Geisha, so it was easy to comment on.

I love to read, and am always looking for good ideas. I am actually reading Empire Falls by Richard Russo now. I'm just at the beginning and it seems to be good; although it took me a little while to get into it.