Memoirs of a Geisha

Memoirs of a Geisha

Written by Arthur Golden

Vintage Books, A Division of Random House, Inc.

New York

Word 1: Geisha : Gei/sha

7

a Japanese woman trained to entertain men with conversation, singing, and dancing

"If I had never known him, I'm sure I would not have become a geisha"

Word 2: Kimono: Ki/mo/no

36

a long, loose robe with wide sleeves and tied with a sash

"I watched the women in kimono rushing around in a great hurry on the little street"

Summary:

Chiyo-chan is the duaghter of a poor fisherman. She is separated from her sister and her family, at the age of nine, when she is sold to a Geisha house. Chiyo-chan is now forced to either learn the ways of a geisha or to remain a scullery maid for the rest of her life. Being so young she is rebellious and has to suffer for her mistakes for a period of several years. She begins her training in the ways of Geisha and soon it is her passion to become the next great Geisha of Gion. She is talented and with the help of her "older sister" Mameha she soon becomes a famous apprentice. Hatsumomo, her rival in the Geisha home, goes to great lengths to destroy Chiyo-chan's reputation and her future career. How will it all end?

Review:

This book draws you in from the moment Chiyo-chan meets her destiny, Mr. Tanaka. The author compels the reader to continue reading to find out her fate. "Memoirs of a Geisha," reveals not only the life of a Geisha but the process it takes to become one. I felt that I had learned a lot more about the Japanese culture. You will never be bored while reading this book, thats one thing I can ensure.