Tell a Tale: Memoirs of a Geisha

Quite some time ago I mentioned that I have interests other than just crafting and sewing.  It may not seem like it but I do have a few other things going on in my life.  I just haven't been very good about sharing them.

So, I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone and sharing one of my other passions...reading!

Every Thursday I'll share a summary and short review of a book I've read.  You can use this to find new books to enjoy or if you've already read it, you can add your two cents below in the comment section and share your thoughts.  Maybe we'll agree, maybe we won't.  That's OK.

I will warn you that my favourite genre is historical fiction so there will be a lot of books along that line.  But I do mix it up from time to time and read from other genres.

I thought we'd start with one of my all time favourite books...

“He was like a song I'd heard once in fragments

 but had been singing in my mind ever since.”
― Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha

Summary (from Goodreads.com)
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction - at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful - and completely unforgettable.

Review:
This is a bit of a controversial book to start with actually.  Hands down, it's one of my top three favourite books to read. In fact, I've read it more than once, which is rare for me to do. Even without the movie, I could envision every scene so easily, it was like being there. This book has everything...triumph and tribulation, love, war, loss of innocence.

I remember when it was first released, most people assumed that this was based on a true story.  However, it is important to remember that it is fiction and that the author is an American male, so there are several inaccuracies.

I love it though for it's lyricism, for the beautiful and tragic love story, and for the snippet of a different life and time than most of us can ever imagine.  The life of a Geisha is, and was, about art.  The art of the Tea Ceremony, the art of dance and song, the art of beauty, and the art of conversation...most of which is not revered or respected these days.

While living in Japan, I made a special trek to Kyoto.  I went as a tourist to see all kinds of things, but secretly I was on the hunt for the elusive modern day Geisha (not the hussy hostesses at the bars, the real thing!).  I was lucky enough to spy down an alleyway two beautiful women in full 'uniform' getting ready to head out for an evening in Gion.  And I was even more lucky that I was granted permission to snap a photo.  This was the height of my Memoirs of a Geisha experience!

Sorry, it's a bit blurry,
this was from the days before digital cameras~

If you're looking for a book that will take you to another time and place, that's full of romance, intrigue, and a beautiful coming of age story, then I highly recommend this book for you.

Have you read it already?  Let us know your thoughts below.

You can find me on Goodreads as Etcetorize if you want to trade book lists, recommendations, and see my other reviews before they come here.