Memoirs Of A Geisha

by Arthur Golden

A fictional account of a geisha memoirs in the early 1900s, Japan. Sakamoto Chiyo was born in poverty stricken fishing village. Unable to cope with life harshness, she was sold at the age of nine to an okiya (geisha house), while her older sister, Satsu, was sold off into a prostitution den. From then on, Chiyo determines to escape, but life, betrayals and circumstances living in the okiya makes her debt to the owners of the okiya accumulates, making it harder for her to leave. The most famous geisha in the area then, Hatsumomo, was determined to make Chiyo live between her clutch. By blackmailing, she makes Chiyo pledge loyalty for her own personal benefit. 

However, driven to a dead end, Chiyo finally attempted to escape but fail. This reduces Chiyo to be a maid from a geisha-in-training. Years later, an encounter with a man on the street makes Chiyo determined to become a full fledged geisha for an chance to meet the man again. Unexpectedly taken under the wing's of Mameha, one of the top geisha in Japan, Chiyo was trained to be one of the famous geisha. Now Sayuri, Chiyo is well sort after and building reputation for herself as geisha, thanks to the guidance of Mameha. Her mizuage (deflowering) ceremony was one of the highest, more than enough to pay off her debts to the owner of her okiya. As much as she wants the man she met previously, which she come to know to be Chairman, to win her mizuage during the bidding, but circumstances force her to realize he can never bid for her.

Later, determine not to have other man as her danna (some sort of a husband), a relationship that may deem a lifetime, Sayuri plots to escape from her fate, but jealousy of a peer fails her plan miserably. Will Sayuri be able to finally find love, a word that seems never for a geisha?

Why you should get this book?

A glimpse into the world of Japan's geisha, their culture and tradition that still live til today's modern Japan although less significant compare to the period set in this book. However, it is still a good learning experience and discussion for book club.

Did you know?

The book had been adapted into a movie starring Chinese actress, Zhang Ziyi (Sayuri), Gong Li (Hatsumomo), Malaysian actress, Datuk Michelle Yeoh (Mameha) and Japanese actor, Ken Watanabe (Chairman). The movie was released in December 2005.

 There is one (1) copy of pre-loved paperback version of this book available at the moment selling for RM15, inclusive of delivery.