Memoirs of a Geisha is a fictional narrative based on the historical facts of a geisha’s day-to-day around the 1930s and 1940s Japan. Geishas are professional entertainers trained, not only in traditional Japanese arts, like music and dance, but also in communication. They entertain exclusive guests during dinners and other special events.

Memoirs of a Geisha takes us through a journey of Chiyo; a little girl from a small fishing village of Yoroido who goes on to become a successful geisha named Sayuri. Chiyo’s father was a fisherman with a wife and two daughters depending on him. Consequently, their life was not without difficulties. When Chiyo’s mother fell ill, the hardships only swelled. Either in the hopes for a better future of his daughters or to lessen his own burden, Chiyo’s father sells his two daughters to a known businessman of the village.

While Chiyo is taken to an okiya (geisha boarding house) in Gion, her sister is taken to a brothel in a different district. Chiyo’s grueling day-to-day life in Gion, her struggles to get in touch with her sister and her past life and her tireless grind to become a geisha, Memoirs of a Geisha magnificently depicts this remarkable journey.

How did it make me feel?

The Narrative

Absolutely loved it! I couldn’t put this book down from the moment I started it. Firstly, because this was an entirely new world for me. The world of geisha. I had never known about this tradition in Japan and thus, it was immediately such an interesting topic for me to explore.

Secondly, Golden’s style of writing drips with inspiration at every turn in this story. The perseverance, courage, and hard work are such forces in Sayuri’s life, it makes one wonder about how much a human is capable of enduring. I did find the last portion of a narrative a bit rushed. However, it’s nothing compared to what the book provides in its entirety.

The Characters

Sayuri is going to stay in my mind for a long time. What a strong, relentless character! As soon as I started the book, I knew that I would be in this story for Sayuri, and only her! There is one other character that I’d have loved to see have more interactions with Sayuri. I wanted to know how their relationship would take shape. However, this was a part of the portion that I felt was a bit rushed.

Would I recommend it?

A 100 times yes! I truly believe this is a must-read for everyone.

Don’t wait! Get your own copy of Memories of a Geisha on Amazon. If you use my link to buy, I may get a small commission at NO additional cost to you! It will help me keep my blog running! 🙂 Thank you for your support!