99 pages 3 hours read

Arthur Golden

Memoirs of a Geisha

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden follows the life of Sayuri, a girl sold to an okiya in Gion where she endures adversities to become a renowned geisha. Navigating rivalry, war, and complicated relationships, Sayuri's path intersects with kindness and betrayal, eventually leading her to achieve her dream of love and stability as she leaves her geisha life behind. The book addresses themes of exploitation and trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden portrays the captivating life of a geisha with rich historical detail and evocative prose, earning praise for its immersive storytelling. However, some critics argue that it perpetuates stereotypes and inaccuracies about Japanese culture. Overall, the novel is seen as a compelling yet controversial read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Memoirs of a Geisha?

A reader who would enjoy Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden is typically interested in historical fiction, cultural immersion, and intricate character development. Fans of The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern may find this novel equally captivating for its vivid storytelling and rich, setting-based narrative.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Lexile Level

1000L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Romance

Topics

History: World