What readers think of Memoirs of a Geisha, plus links to write your own review.

Soeuth
It took me four years to read memoirs of a geisha. I read this book little at a time. It seem very boring but I never seem to let go of this book for some how I feel that I am saying. It might seem very boring at the beginning but after a while I realize that this book was one of the best book I read so far. It teach me a lots of thing about Japanese culture. I just want to thank you to Arthur Golden for writing this wonderful book you really teach me a lots.

Tatiana
Memoirs of a Geisha was an incredible book to read. I do not consider myself a person who often reads, but once I began to read this book, I was completely infatuated and hooked to it. In result to that, I finished it in three days. It was an aweing novel that I will never forget. I am only sixteen years old and this story has already greatly influenced me in many ways. The story felt so real and it was yet very original. I recommend it to anyone of any age.

Debbie
I have just finished reading this brilliant novel. Definitely a must read page-turner. I have never read a book quite like it, I found it compelling. Much respect to Mr Golden.

Lucy16
I found this book more interesting than emotional. The use of diluted metaphor allowed one to sympathies with the character of Saruri yet not really empathize with her. However I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and I would recommend it to others as both an insightful and educational read.

Aporup
A lovely book. Touching. Like so many other readers, I too felt alongside Sayuri throughout her travails and her journey through life. At no time did I feel that I was seeing Japan and its Geisha culture through an outsider's eyes. It's authenticity, and my feeling of closeness and empathy with Sayuri, probably is brought out by the way she takes moments out of her narration to explain to us things Geisha.
However, the book actively eschewed any elaboration and description of the dances, the music, the culture and the arts that make up a Geisha's life. The steamy bits, if you could call them that, were more prominent.
After reading this book, I immediately felt like I wanted to meet Sayuri, or go to Japan during that time, or at least eat Japanese food. The mood of pre-war Japan and the world of a Geisha is palpable and poetic at once.
Sigh! What a read!

Veronica
This is the most fascinating and inspiring book I have ever read. I could put it down, and yet I did not want to finish it. It made me laugh, cry and think all at the same time. Absolutely brilliant.

Paul Buchannan
If you like a book that focuses on noble suffering then 'Memoirs of a Geisha' is the book for you. Using detailed descriptions, mesmerising metaphors and ingenious imagery that is most fitting for the period 1930’s – 1950’s, the author Arthur Golden takes us through the life of a Geisha in Japan.
A little girl called Chiyo-Chan believes that her father has sold her into a life of slavery. However, during her long transformation Chiyo-Chan realises that her life is not so bad in comparison to other Japanese women. Forced to change her name; her new title and life puts her into contact with Japanese dignitaries, politicians, and aristocrats. All this would not have been possible if she had not worked to become one of Japan’s most celebrated Geisha’s or the countries most serving woman.
Arthur Golden is clever not to embark on a feminist trip. Chiyo-Chan accustoms herself to her environment in a non-judgemental way thereby giving the reader the chance to make up his/her own mind. By not ramming down our throats possible injustices we are soon made aware that it is not only women who are suffering from a Geisha’s life. We are shown that this type of life-style – often viewed in the form of a mistress and/or termed as prostitution by many Westerners - can have a damming effect on men also.
By formulating characters that naturally carry disturbed passions Arthur Golden emerges with a Japanese style love story, and unashamedly uses (as was the time) the droppings of a nightingale to enhance the beauty of Nitta Sayuri formally Chiyo-Chan. For all those men and women who are at odds with their choices in love Memoirs of a Geisha is a must.

Naomi
When I read this I was blown away and felt that I was right next to Sayuri as her life went on. Once I started reading this magnificent book I couldn't stop. Even after reading it three times, I still want to read it again and again. I recommend it and give it five out of five.