Posted in Eclectic Me

Last week I finished reading Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden.  I wasn't really certain about reading this book.  When I picked it up at Goodwill, I was excited about the synopsis.  Then I placed it on the shelf.  Each time I was ready to pick a new book, somehow I overlooked this gem.  I am ever so glad the title popped out 2 weeks ago, because this is a keeper, and worth reading again.  Amazing that this is the Golden's first novel.  This is one of those stories you that draws you in from the very first sentence and doesn't let you go until after you have read the last word.                                                

  This is a fictional story set int he 1930's about a poor young girl named Chiyo, who lives in a small fishing village with her family; father, sister, mother.  Her mother is acutely ill.  She is sold to an okiya, a Geisha house, at the age of about 6.  Chiyo is forced to be a maid while learning what her life is to be.  The geisha of this house, Hatsumomo, is extremely cruel to her and intentionally tries to ruin her life, or her chances of ever being a geisha.  The story continues throughout the life of Chiyo, who later is renamed Sayuri, when another geisha chooses her to be her little sister (training parnter).  There are so many turns to the story as the reader sees life throught he eyes of Chiyo/Sayuri.  One feels as if they are peering into her heart, as she learns the importance of all the rituals and appropriateness of life in Japan in a geisha district.  The story carries on through the impact of WWII, and ends with present day times. 

Oddly, I was encapsulated by Golden's ability to convey so many specifics of this life.  I could clearly picture the okiya in my mind, the town of Gion, as well as the character's appearances.  The reader can clearly sense the deep and intimate understanding the author has for Japanese culture.  I was also impressed with the words flowed, one to the next, like a brook.  As you read you can continue from scene to scene, chapter to chapter, yet as the words are running into your brain, you are unconciously thinking about something on the previous page, like water running over rocks, and pausing ever so slightly, as it finds the quickest path around the rock, and on to its final destination. 

This story will keep you guessing.  Your emotions are drawn in with each event and there are even times when you desire to speak with a character.  The reading will flow along, as you foresee the river the story will flow into.  However, the author quickly detours you and before you know what's happening, you are in a huge beautiful lake of life. 

My highest seal of approval is on this title.  It isn't often I decide to keep a piece of fiction for reading time and time again, and this is one that will stay with my collection.  I have yet to see the movie, but if the movie is half as good as the novel, it should be riveting. 

These are my thoughts.

Tagged:  Memoirs of a Geisha Arthur Golden Book review Review