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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

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
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Loved this book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Memoirs of a Geisha to be better than the print version?

never read the book

What did you like best about this story?

the whole story

What does Bernadette Dunne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

great to listen too

Any additional comments?

I listen on my way to and from work and I could not wait to get in the car to listen to what was happening next ...I also watched the movie but of course the book had much more to it than the movie.

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

Tradition meets beautiful tragedy

An amazing work of fiction, dripping with rich history and tradition, both tragic and exhilarating.

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For my wife Eva.

I would to thank my husband for letting me share his account for he knows I love to read. This was my first audible book to listen all the way through. It took me month or a little over due to work. But, I love it I would read it again and again. For I own the book on paper back and the movie. But, the book both audible and physical are just as breathe taking to me as if it was my first time ever. Thank you so much.

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Poetic & enchanting story. Beautifully narrated.

This wonderful story was poetic and enchanting. The soft, even-toned voice of the narrator was so beautiful that it felt as if the Geisha herself was telling the tale. The chronical was so craftily woven from the tragedies and triumphs in her life and the encounters with so many amazing characters, that even her descriptions of frogs turned princely and her depictions of the world around her were like Haikus coming to life. Highly recommend.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful

I truly enjoyed this book. I was riveted listening in the car, when I walked and in the evenings. I highly recommend.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Good story/meh narration/cultural controversy

Enjoyed it, but be aware of the cultural controversy. Narrator took some getting used to.

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Beautiful Story

Love this book. The narrator sounds robotic and lacks emotion as she reads the story, but I do love the book.

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Magnificent

Memoirs has been my favorite movie for years, the book is even better. The performance was great. Wonderful way to spend some time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible story of strength in adversity

Touching story that was delightful to read. Highly recommend for anyone who believes in fate and loves a good love story. I was sobbing at the end!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Best Book in a while

This book was the most intriguing, fascinating book I have read in many years. I simply couldn't stop listening to it and I have recommended it to many of my friends. One of my friends even got a copy of the book for Christmas. No matter what type of story you like, I recommend you read or listen to this book!

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43 people found this helpful