The novel is written as if Sayuri, the protagonist of the book, is writing her memoirs. It is set in the 1930s and 1940s and portrays her life as a geisha in Gion, a district in Kyoto, Japan. The novel takes the reader on a journey, giving them an opportunity to understand the complexities of the life of a geisha. The book highlights the training that goes into becoming a geisha, the art of dancing, the importance of the tea ceremony, and the skills required to entertain men.
Sayuri’s journey to becoming a geisha was not an easy one. She was taken from her home at a young age and was sold to an okiya, a house that trains young girls to become geishas. Sayuri was fortunate enough to become the protégé of one of Gion’s most prominent geishas, Mameha. Mameha went to great lengths to train Sayuri to become a successful geisha, teaching her everything from the way she dressed, the way she spoke, and how to dance. Sayuri’s transformation from a young girl to a geisha was incredible.
Memoirs of a Geisha gives the reader an accurate representation of the life of a geisha. It takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the profession, from the costumes down to the way the geishas wore their hair. It gives an accurate representation of the Japanese culture, highlighting the importance of the tea ceremony, and the role of geishas in the country’s traditional culture.
The book also depicts the hardships that the geishas faced in their line of work. It was a profession that required discipline and patience, and a single mistake could ruin their reputation forever. Memoirs of a Geisha highlights the importance of reputation in the geisha culture, as it determined their success and status within the okiya.
Golden’s writing style is impeccable. He takes the reader on a journey using vivid descriptions that make you feel like you are experiencing everything firsthand. His use of similes and metaphors makes the book easy to read and entertaining. The book is accessible, even to those who are not familiar with the Japanese culture.
Overall, Memoirs of a Geisha is an incredible masterpiece that should be on everyone’s reading list. It’s a captivating story that takes you on a journey, making you feel like you are living in the 1930s and 1940s. It provides insights into the geisha culture, highlighting the beauty of the traditional Japanese culture. Golden’s vivid descriptions take the reader on a journey, making it an unforgettable read. It’s not hard to see why it has become one of the most popular books of all time.