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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)

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What listeners say about Memoirs of a Geisha

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Best story ever

After being enticed by the movie for many years there have been multiple time I've been drawn to read the book. finally allowing myself the pleasure of hearing the audio book. The story of Syuri Nita was brought to life in a whole other fashion in such a way that the movie isn't comparable. I admire her devotion to the chairman. I'd also wished to hear more of her life after he'd passed away.

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Elegant

One of the best books I've "read" in a long time. A beautiful glimpse into a lovely culture. Both author and narrator are elegant and heartfelt.

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Highly Recommend

An incredible glimpse into a different culture and a different time.
Beautifully narrated.
While the movie was good, this book was excellent, describing so much more about the culture, the reasons behind some of the ceremony.
I would highly recommend this audiobook

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I couldn’t stop listening!

I know I’m quite a bit behind reading this book but it was first published when I was in high school and I couldn’t have been bothered to read anything that wasn’t assigned to me. Funny thing is that now I read quite a lot but this book was actually sort of assigned to me by way of one of my book clubs. I first started reading the paperback version and then decided that I would like to multitask and listen to the audio version instead while do my other things at home. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book! So much so that I was actually quite sad when it ended! The narrator sort of sounded robotic at first (my husband overheard and really nought it was a robot) but I grew to think that there was no other way to experience this story than to listen so someone that might have sounded like the lead character, as well as many supporting characters. This story is somewhat sad - I really had no idea what a geisha went thru but why should I have been surprised when women all over the world have endured this and much worse over time - but it is also quite clever and sometimes funny! I have taken to only checking out books and audiobooks from the library and if I really love the story, I buy the hardcover. Memoirs of a Geisha in hardcover will soon take its place in my home. I look forward to reading it again in the future.

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FIVE STARS ACROSS THE CRITIQUE

Wonderful, a super story on ALL LEVELS. I read this book years ago BUT THE AUDIO FORM was terrific.

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An amazing immersion into a foreign culture

I have read this book and watched the movie, but I so enjoyed listening to this performance as it brought the entire story to life.

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Excellent story Narrator kinda monotone

Narrator put me to sleep several times had to restart those chapters love the story

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my 3 th time with this book it was amazing

this book is amazing it is the 3 th time when I think this . this is going to be my favorite for life

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B Wright

I have read this book at least four times! It is one of the most riveting books I've read to date. I had the once in a life time to meet the author at one of his book signing in Beverly Hills, Ca back in 2003. I was amazed he was able to create and capture the essence of a town in Japan which is so far away. I love this classic story and will always treasure it. Thank you Mr. Golden for this wonderful literary treat! Bernadette Dunne did a marvelous job narrating.

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Great Story, Vivid Detail

Did not think I would love this book, but indeed I did. It will make you want to visit Kyoto...

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