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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)

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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

Hypnotized

I was totally taken with the story. I couldn't get enough.

I love the ending.

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

An incredible of a strong Woman!

This will be a book I go back to for many years to come! I watched the movie which is now one of my very favorite movies of all time and I decided to read/listen to the book. I am not disappointed! The detail that is described here is exquisite! The narration was impeccable! I feel so honored to now know some of her story and how even when she felt she would never be happy she kept hope in her heart.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Top Choice

Loved it! Probably the absolute best choice I could have made for my first audible book purchase. Some books aren't meant to be read instead of listened to but this story and narrator pulled you in.

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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

Amazing

A beautiful memoir of a sad yet breathtakimg life. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I smiled. This book is now and will forever be one of my favorites.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Listen

I really really enjoyed this story because I learned about some customs of Geisha girls. The book, of course, is better than the movie.

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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
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    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

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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    5 out of 5 stars
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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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