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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)

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

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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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    5 out of 5 stars

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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powerful and eye opening

This is a book I'll listen to again and again! Not once was I bored and it shows you into this world that you never knew.

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Exceptional

The best one I 've heard for a long time.
It's so touching that I can't help wishing it wasn't a fiction and just by chance stumble into those gray eyes while walking into the street and experience what's like to be at the receiving end of that gaze.

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Can't believe I waited so long to read this!

If you could sum up Memoirs of a Geisha in three words, what would they be?

What?! Not non-fiction?!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sayuri. It was like sitting down with an elderly person from another culture who tells you about her most interesting life full of drama and trials and triumphs and intriguing people.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Hatsumomo got the boot!

If you could rename Memoirs of a Geisha, what would you call it?

I can't thnk of a better name.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended.

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Loved this BOOK!

I watched the movie quite a few years ago and decided that since the books are usually better than the movie that I really should read this!
I love Japan and their history so the book was NOT a let down! Mr. Golden did a great job. The narrator was also superb. This is a book that you should not miss!
Enjoy!

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