"Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden
Group meeting Feb 2024 ~DISCUSSION OF THIS MONTH’S BOOK :- “Memoirs Of A Geisha” by Arthur Golden
(this is general report so no details, that could act as spoilers for others wanting to read the book, are given)
BOOK SCORE (2.94) out of Five (5)~Range (2~4) 4 scoring
“Book :- “Memoirs Of A Geisha” by Arthur Golden Reviewed 15th Feb 2023
About the Author :- Golden was born in Tennessee USA. Studied in America and China
He was sued him for breach of contract and defamation of character after the book was published in Japan. In 2000, Golden received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.
Sound bites ~ Terry ~ “A Japanese Cinderella story”
Margret R ~”Geisha, A living work of Art”
Margret P ~ “A touch of Japanese History”
Discussion :- One member had only read the introduction but still gave the book 2 out of 5 based on the first few pages.
The story, which is based on real life gave an insight into one aspect of Japanese life. It tells of two sisters sold by their father. One sister is sold to a Brothel where she is treated badly.
The other receives training as a “Geisha” and the main focus of the story is about the life of Geishas and their status within society.
The group thought that the book explained, objectively, “Geisha Culture” in Japan and worldwide.
All the group though the book explained the “Sister system” in the Geisha Houses well. The treatment of the main Character during her training, her rise to a high level in the society, her treatment by American Soldiers after the war, the selling of her virginity, and her marriages are described in an understandable way.
The group felt they could and would recommend the book to others. One member, however, was disappointed that it went into too much detail and almost stopping reading at one point because of this. That prompted another member to say they also left the book aside for several weeks before “getting back to it” and reading the end.
The book has been made into a film starring Japanese actors so no discussion on who the group would cast in a film of the book.
Feb. 2024