I read a couple good books this quarter, but my favorite is Memoirs of a Geisha. It takes place in 1930’s Japan, when geishas flourished. Hundreds of geisha occupied the streets of Kyoto, going from event to event getting paid to entertain men. The book focused on Chiyo, who later became Sayuri (girls change their names when they become geisha). Her and her sister were sold; Her sister sold to prostitution and herself to an okiya where she would learn to become a geisha.
She attempted to run away with her sister, but when that went awry, she was forced back into the system, but with many debts and a bad reputation, which is like death to a geisha. She meets a handsome, older business man, the Chairman, and falls in love. She saw him surrounded by beautiful geisha and became determined to be great enough to entertain him. He was her motivation and the reason why she became as successful as she was. However, throughout her life, she went through many challenges and came out on top.
What fascinated me most when I was reading, was her friend, Pumpkin, who was taken under the wing of a mean, successful geisha, Hatsumomo. She was treated poorly, and had very little good fortunes go her way. While Sayuri was making good money, being treated with respect and had an amazing mentor, Pumpkin was treated like dirt. That was how most geisha were treated, not like the beautiful Sayuri, who seemed to be either loved or envied, and what’s so bad about that?
My perception of geisha had always been and probably will always be negative; a life of entertaining men, being treated as a slave and, in many cases, being taken away from your family, sold like slaves doesn’t seem very glamorous, despite the elaborate clothing and makeup.
I would recommend this book to people that are interested in Japanese culture and history. I learned a lot reading it and definitely got a different perspective on World War II in Japan. I loved the storyline and found it especially interesting knowing that it was based on a real geisha, and written by a white, American man. It is really, REALLY interesting, so give it a shot! I read the book nd thenwatched the movie and th book was a million times better, but isn't that always the case?!
Here is a parody of the book and movie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TSWaKWiAhY
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8 comments:
When I went to Japan this summer, I stood on the bridge the movie production used for the meeting spot for her and her sister. I saw all the Geishas. It was totally weird. They were like celebrities. People were jumping out of buses and vans with cameras, trying to take pictures of them.
I never read the book personally but I have seen the movie and it was great.It was definately one of a kind story and kept me interested. Although, it is a sad and disturbing story it's true and will keep your attention that's for sure. I would probably like to read the book still even though I have seen the movie. Maybe I will read that for next quarter SSR. =]
I have heard of this book and know that plenty of people loved it but I never really understood what it was about. The story seems sad but very interesting, I have never really been interested in Japanese history but might actually read this book. I have also heard that most movies that cames form books aren't as good, but if the movie is good than that means the book must be fantastic! :)
After reading Memoirs of a Geisha I became obsessed with Japanese culture for a while, its calmed down but I'm still in love with Japan!
I loved the movie and the book. Most of the time if a movie is made from a book I tend to like the book better but I didn't. I think it's because of how great of a story it is and how beautifully it's portrayed in the movie.
I read the book several years ago and loved it. I never go to the movies of books I love, having long ago learned that they are normally a disappointment.
oops! i forgot to put the author and #of pages!
it is by Arthur Golden ad it's 428 pags!
and if ayone wants to borrow it, dont be afraid to ask!
I haven't seen the movie or read the book, but after reading your review, I want to do both! I never really knew much of the Japanese culture, but maybe I will after reading this book. The plot sounds addicting and unique. Do you think the book is better than the movie?
Regardless, I am going to do both, read and watch :]
Thanks, Rachael!
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