Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Synopsis:
A literary sensation and runaway bestseller, this brilliant debut novel presents with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha.
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction - at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful - and completely unforgettable.
My Review:
“Now I know that our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all too soon they bleed into a wash, just like watery ink on paper.”
This was an extraordinary story based on years of research, observation, and interviews. Arthur Golden’s writing style is evocative of the beauty that exists in this society and cultural. Many people see geisha as trapped women with no personalities. His appreciation for Japanese art and culture pervade his writing without overwhelming it with pedantry. As a man writing a woman’s narrative, his insight and sensitivity are astonishing.
The novel tells the story of a young Japanese girl named Chiyo who is taken from her village in the 1930s and sent to Gion, to an okiya or geisha house. Her sister Satsu is also taken, but lacking Chiyo’s striking beauty, they send her to a house of ill repute. At first, Chiyo dreams of finding Satsu and running away from Gion, but later realizes that this will never happen.
She is physically, emotionally, mentally and eventually sexually abused at her new “home.” Her strength and determination in the face of this abuse make this a captivating read. The capability of the human spirit to carry on despite one hurt after another is incredible.
Using Sayuri as the narrator provides the story with a convincing voice as she relates her story in a friendly manner that captures her emotions and enables the reader to identify with her feelings of sadness, surprise, and confusion. The reader navigates through every life moment with her like they were there - feeling the anger of her father’s decision, the pain of realizing her dream of being a geisha may be crushed, and her determination as she plans how she will see the Chairman again.
Sayuri never attributes herself with above average beauty, intelligence, or cunning. Her character is very believable, never knowing more than she should. The other characters share this believability, as they each have both good and bad sides.
Besides excellent characterization, the author provides the reader with an entertaining plot. Flawless writing, intriguing dialogue, period perfection, a perfectly structured story with clear lines and directions, yet not so much so you don’t have surprises. Also, it succeeds in capturing your interest and those of the characters. I felt very invested in their stories. This book touches emotional nerves and exposes the best and worst of human nature in a true depiction of that world.
Golden is brilliant in his description of the customs and rituals of the geisha. His prose is pure artistry. It immerses the reader in each scene as he tells the sights, sounds, smells, and even the feel of the fabric. I felt that I was shadowing a Geisha and entertaining in tea houses. I could smell the fish, feel the water and even feel the silk of the Kimono.
This is a complex story: it has much beauty but does not shy away from showing us the ugliness. Petty jealousies of the geisha and apprentices and the harm they did; the politics of the geisha in getting hold of a sponsor; the changes that came with the coming of WWII and the unavoidable devastation and the restoration after the war with the American occupation.
In the end it reminds us that all of humanity experiences these stages in life: the struggles, the pain, the hope, and the promise of happiness. “Memoirs of a Geisha” is one of those rare works that I can say is one of the best books I have ever read.
My Rating:
✬✬✬✬✬
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