Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden
Memoirs of a Geisha is a mesmerizing novel by American author Arthur Golden that transports readers to the enigmatic world of Kyoto's geisha culture before and during World War II. The story follows Chiyo Sakamoto, a young girl with striking blue-gray eyes, who is torn from her impoverished fishing village and sold to an okiya (geisha house) in Kyoto's famous Gion district. In the okiya, Chiyo faces cruel treatment from the house's residents, particularly the beautiful but vindictive senior apprentice Hatsumomo. Despite early setbacks, including a failed escape attempt, Chiyo's life takes a turn when she encounters the Chairman, a kind businessman whose small act of kindness becomes her guiding light.
Under the tutelage of the renowned geisha Mameha, Chiyo transforms into the captivating Sayuri. Golden's vivid prose brings to life the painstaking details of geisha training - from the elaborate kimono and obi tying to the graceful art of the fan dance. Readers witness Sayuri's grueling path to becoming a geisha, including her mizuage (coming of age ceremony) which culminates in a record-breaking bidding war for her virginity.
At its heart, the novel is a tale of resilience and unrequited love. Sayuri navigates a world where appearances and social connections mean everything, all while harboring a secret love for the Chairman. The outbreak of World War II threatens to destroy the delicate world of the geisha, forcing Sayuri to adapt once again.
Golden's first-person narrative style lends an air of authenticity to the tale, though some have debated its historical accuracy. Regardless, Memoirs of a Geisha offers a spellbinding glimpse into a hidden world, filled with intrigue, beauty, and the complexities of human relationships. This New York Times bestseller captivates readers with its blend of historical detail and emotional depth, making it a truly unforgettable read.
“You cannot say to the sun, ‘More sun,’ or to the rain, ‘Less rain.’ To a man, geisha can only be half a wife. We are the wives of nightfall. And yet, to learn kindness after so much unkindness, to understand that a little girl with more courage than she knew, would find her prayers were answered, can that not be called happiness? After all these are not the memoirs of an empress, nor of a queen. These are memoirs of another kind.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
There is some controversy over some source material. Arthur Golden spent over ten years researching and writing the novel, including multiple trips to Kyoto and extensive interviews with geisha. His primary source was a former geisha named Mineko Iwasaki, who later sued Golden for breach of confidentiality. Iwasaki then later wrote her own autobiography, Geisha, A Life, that painted a very different picture of geisha life at that time.
The novel's original title was "Geisha," but it was changed to Memoirs of a Geisha at the suggestion of Golden's editor. This change helped create the illusion that the story was a true memoir, which contributed to its initial marketing success.
Despite its popularity in the West, the book was initially poorly received in Japan. Many Japanese critics felt it misrepresented geisha culture and relied too heavily on Western stereotypes about Japan. The controversy led to debates about cultural appropriation in literature.
The book was turned into a feature film in 2005, starring Zhang Ziyi. The film received mixed reviews, including criticism for mainly casting Chinese actresses as Japanese women, but the movie ultimately won three Academy Awards. Read our blog summarizing some other great movies for those who love to travel. And for those who like historical fiction and liked this book, please feel free to explore our other recommendations on the best travel novels.
Recommendations for Those Who Liked This Book
Recommendations for Those Who Liked This Book
Book image links to go Amazon. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.