Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (1997)

What an epic story about the circumstances of Chiyo as a nine year old taken from her family and "tipsy" house at the fisherman's village of Yoroido Japan in the 1920's when a child could be sold into servitude. She and her sister are taken to Gion - Chiyo into a Geisha house; her 15 year old sister Satsu, unwanted at the Geisha house, is relegated to a whorehouse in the same town. There Chiyo meets a kindly man who gives her money to buy a shaved ice cone to take her troubles away as she sits at the bridge lamenting her loss - that of not having kept her meeting with her sister to run away, and her fate at the Geisha house; suffering at the hands of a cruel Geisha jealous of anyone more beautiful. Chiyo's distinguishing characteristic of grey-blue eyes makes her a high commodity in the community. She is mentored by a kindly Geisha named Mameha and goes on to becoming a legend - through the Depression, wartime, and adversity in the Geisha house - through extreme abuse of not only the Mother of the house, but Chiyo's nemisis, Hotsumomo, the jealous rival. Throughout the story, she clings to the memory of the kind man - who gave her his handkerchief when he gave her money to buy the ice cone. This she uses as her talisman until she can again see the man, named Chairman. The story has a wonderful ending; yes, she is finally reconciled with the Chairman who tells her it was he who sent Mameha to mentor her to become Geisha and to tell her he loved her all along, but could not show his love because through some fateful moment at a Sumo match, she had to give her attention to his friend, Nobu. It was because of this that Chairman could not approach her - Nobu, a wartime wounded and disfigured hero (he was known as Mr. Lizard because of his burnt face and body) and his good friend thought he could find happiness with her. In the end, it is a triumph of spirit through unbelievable tragic circumstances, fate and cruelty. I loved this book because we are shown that no matter what life's circumstances are, if you believe enough in something (such as Love), the fates CAN BE GIVING. Love triumphal.

great condition! I havent finished it yet, but it was in excellent tip-top shape. Different from the movie- more in depth.

An excellent read, full of good characters and internal conflict. It's a good entertaining way to learn of the way of life of the Japanese geisha.

This book is a great book. I really don't like reading but it caught my attention. The chapters are short and the reading is easy. It has an ever changing storyline which keeps you turing the page to see what happens next. A MUST HAVE!

I really love this book. I really liked how the author described everything in the book, it made you feel like you were in it. I finished reading this book in about 3 days, I couldn't put it down, I really was addicted to this book. I do recommend it to anybody who enjoys a good story.

If you're into history, and you have an appreciation for learning more about other cultures, this book is a must read. Although the length may seem daunting, the story is fast paced and covers a wide range of time, from young Chiyo's childhood to the elegant Sayuri's old age. I now have an interest in Japanese culture and am fascinated by the similiarities and differences in their culture and mine.

There is probably nothing I can write that has not already been wrote-1000 times, about how great this book is. I read it seven years after everybody else. But, if you have not read it, it is a real treat-enjoy it.