Summary
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden is an acclaimed work of historical fiction, published in 1997. Set in Kyoto, Japan, the novel offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the secretive world of geishas, spanning the years before, during, and after World War II. Golden's meticulous research and lyrical prose brought this hidden culture to life for millions of readers worldwide, making it an international bestseller. The novel's success led to an Academy Award-winning film adaptation in 2005, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Zhang Ziyi.
Plot
Set in 1929 Japan, Memoirs of a Geisha follows the life of Chiyo Sakamoto, a young girl from a poor fishing village who is sold into a geisha house in Kyoto's Gion district. At the okiya, Chiyo faces harsh treatment from the resident geisha Hatsumomo and struggles to adapt to her new life. After a failed escape attempt, her dreams of becoming a geisha seem dashed until a chance encounter with a kind businessman, known as the Chairman, reignites her hope.
With the help of Mameha, a renowned geisha who becomes her mentor, Chiyo transforms into the geisha Sayuri. She navigates the complex world of geisha traditions, where appearances and social connections are paramount. Sayuri's journey includes rigorous training, her debut as a maiko (apprentice geisha), and the highly anticipated auction of her mizuage (virginity). As she gains popularity, she must also contend with Hatsumomo's jealousy and schemes to sabotage her career.
The narrative spans several decades, including the tumultuous period of World War II, which forces Sayuri to leave Kyoto temporarily. Upon her return, she faces new challenges and must make difficult choices regarding her future. Throughout the story, Sayuri harbors a secret love for the Chairman, which influences many of her decisions. The novel concludes with Sayuri reflecting on her life in her later years from New York City, where she has established her own tea house.
Themes
Cultural clash between tradition and modernity
Power dynamics in relationships
Transformation and personal growth
Beauty as both an asset and a burden
Struggle for independence and identity
Sacrifice and perseverance
Illusion versus reality in the geisha world
Setting
Set primarily in Kyoto, Japan, Memoirs of a Geisha spans several decades of the 20th century, beginning in 1929 and continuing through World War II and its aftermath. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Japan's transformative years, capturing the nation's shift from traditional ways to modernization.
Much of the novel takes place in Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. This bustling area, with its narrow streets and traditional wooden machiya houses, serves as the stage for Sayuri's journey from a young girl to a renowned geisha. Golden vividly depicts iconic locations within Gion, such as the Ichiriki Ochaya, a high-class teahouse frequented by geisha and their patrons.
While Kyoto forms the heart of the narrative, the story briefly shifts to other locations. A portion unfolds in the coastal fishing village of Yoroido, where the protagonist Sayuri spent her early childhood, offering a stark contrast to the refined world of the geisha. Later, during World War II, Sayuri finds herself in the northern reaches of Japan. The novel concludes with scenes in New York City, reflecting Japan's post-war connections to the Western world.
Characters
Nitta Sayuri: The protagonist and narrator, formerly known as Chiyo Sakamoto. A famous geisha in Gion with unusual blue-gray eyes.
Mameha: An experienced and successful geisha who becomes Sayuri's mentor and “older sister."
Hatsumomo: The beautiful but cruel lead geisha of the Nitta okiya, who sees Sayuri as a rival and tries to sabotage her.
Chairman Ken Iwamura: The kind businessman who shows young Sayuri compassion and becomes the object of her love and devotion.
Nobu Toshikazu: The Chairman's business partner, scarred from burns, who becomes Sayuri's primary patron.
Pumpkin: Another young girl in the okiya who becomes Hatsumomo's protégée and Sayuri's rival.
Mother: The strict and business-minded proprietress of the Nitta okiya.
Auntie: A former geisha who helps run the okiya and shows some kindness to Sayuri.
Granny: The elderly and often grumpy resident of the okiya.
Dr. Crab: A wealthy doctor who bids for Sayuri's mizuage (virginity).
The Baron: Mameha's primary patron, a wealthy and powerful man.
Quick facts
Memoirs of a Geisha took Arthur Golden six years to write, including three complete rewrites.
Golden studied Japanese language and culture at university, which helped inform the book.
The novel's first-person narrative is written from the perspective of Sayuri looking back on her life.
The character of Mameha, who becomes Sayuri’s mentor, was loosely based on the real-life geisha Mineko Iwasaki.
As part of his research for the novel, Golden interviewed several geisha, including Mineko Iwasaki, who later sued him for breach of confidentiality.
The novel explores themes of identity, love, and social hierarchy in pre-WWII Japan.
Memoirs of a Geisha spent two years on The New York Times bestseller list.
Memoirs of a Geisha has been translated into more than 30 languages.
The 2005 film adaptation was directed by Rob Marshall and starred Zhang Ziyi as Sayuri.
Controversy arose over the casting of Chinese actresses in Japanese roles for the film.
About the Author
Arthur Golden (1956-) is an American writer best known for his bestselling 1997 novel, Memoirs of a Geisha. This acclaimed work of historical fiction spent two years on The New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into 32 languages. The novel was adapted into a 2005 film, directed by Rob Marshall, which won three Academy Awards.
A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Golden holds degrees from Harvard, Columbia, and Boston University in art history, Japanese history, and English respectively. His study of Japanese culture and language laid the foundation for his acclaimed work of historical fiction. The creation of Memoirs of a Geisha was a laborious process, spanning six years and requiring three complete rewrites. Golden's meticulous research included interviews with former geisha, most notably Mineko Iwasaki, who later sued the author for breach of confidentiality. The case was settled out of court.
Golden lives in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, with his wife Trudy Legge and their two children.
