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Memoirs of a Geisha  By  cover art

Memoirs of a Geisha

By: Arthur Golden
Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne
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Editorial reviews

After the death of her mother, a young girl from a rural fishing village is sold to a Geisha House in the Gion District of Kyoto. Her fate continually twists, along with Japan's, before, during and after World War II.

This listen captures with great detail the lush glamour of a geisha's world, as well as the brutal realities of indentured servitude. The experience is superior to that of the movie, because each moment is mined for maximum insight. Protocols and relationships, even food and finances, are also meticulously described. The result is total immersion in this fascinating culture.

The narration may seem reserved, but that is appropriate given the book's setting. The sexual content is also very discreet and appropriate. Watching the movie is only getting your feet wet; get the full experience through this listen, a bewitching strong step into not just another time, but another world.

Publisher's summary

Nitta Sayuri tells us in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate of her life as a geisha. Her story begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as 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.

©1997 Arthur Golden; Copyright ©1998 by Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Astonishing...Breathtaking...You are seduced completely." (Washington Post Book World)
"...a bravura performance, a first novel that provides a vivid view into a largely lost and secret world." (The Los Angeles Times Sunday Book Review)

Featured Article: The Best Historical Fiction Audiobooks


Often based on real people, events, and scenarios, historical fiction gives us the opportunity to learn about worlds and times we will never experience while introducing fascinating characters and stories set in their midst. Sometimes, the genre can even give us a peek into hidden storylines that routinely go unmentioned in traditional history books, showing us that those of ages past are perhaps not so different from ourselves.

What listeners say about Memoirs of a Geisha

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Nothing could compare

Absolutely the best book I have ever read/listened to. Once it starts you are hooked into it, and will never want to put it down. The movie is nothing whatsoever compared to the book ... anyone who enjoys reading MUST read this.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I Loved it!

I loved the story. It followed the young girls life so well that it made me feel like I was growing up with her. Her decisions at the end made me scream but the ending left me feeling like it was all worth it. Loved it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Lovely story

At first I thought the readers voice to be boring , but when I continue to listen to the story, I was more interested because the plot and hung on to each word that was read to me. The story of a young girl , her passion and her will to fight for her own destiny was a truly amazing. I enjoyed listening to this book a lot and would definitely recommend others to do the same.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely stunning story

Initially felt it was a little lengthy at 19 hours, however I quickly fell in love with it and couldn't stop listening. I did not expect the emotional connection you acquire with the protagonist nor did I expect the historical relevance of a lot of the middle to later parts.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love love love!

Would you listen to Memoirs of a Geisha again? Why?

Yes this is the second time listening to it and I have read it twice too! Very well written and love the story line! I really enjoy books like this!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sayuri of course I love her determination and her ability to survive anything thrown at her! She never is failing in her faith that the Chairman was her destiny!

Have you listened to any of Bernadette Dunne’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Nope

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Sayuri finally sees that the Chairman was the whole reason for her success. I really like Bering a glimpse into what it might have been like to be a geisha! I am fascinated by all parts of this book!

Any additional comments?

Love this book I have read it and listened to it so may times and I will still read it more! :)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Enthralling

After reading the book years ago and seeing the movie, I decided to listen to the audiobook and was not disappointed. The author has a way of drawing you into the story. The intimacy and vulnerability of the characters is moving and stimulating.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely loved this book!

Absolutely loved this book! I always wonder the stories of those that I see and hear around me. After reading this book my curiosity will soar.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Epic story, epic journey!

This has got to be one of my favorite books ever. I think I've read it at least 3 or 4 times. This is one of the type of stories that has so many twists and turns that it leaves you emotionally exhausted at the end (which to me is the sign of an epic/great story). When I first saw the book I didn't think I would be interested since I've never really been interested in Asian history but the concept sounded interesting so I decided to try it. Memoirs has opened up an all new area of history to me and that was all I read for months afterwards. Asian history is facinating and there are several fiction books that illustrate that beautifully. I have purchased this book as a gift several times. The story is a journey not only through history but through this girl's life that pulls you in and takes you with her. It has all the elements of a long and interesting life: sadness, struggle, happiness, friends, family, emotion.

The narrator is perfect for this story. She reads the book in a way that you can imagine a major motion picture in your head. If you have seen the movie or read the book in print don't skip this audio version because it is so worth the read!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Book Nut

This is one of my favorite Movies. And the book is the best. It really gets you deeper into the story. You really feel like it is a true story, and want to go meet the Geisha, and go see the places she has been.
The Narrator is Really good. She has a great command of her voice and makes you see the story unfolding, you lose yourself in the story not in the Narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible

Captivating, beautiful story, about life and its hardships. I loved the details of the war too.

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