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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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Vanessa

What a remarkable life completely captured by Golden. I haven't been able to stop listening, from the first 15 minutes. It is a must for every woman, and certainly for anyone interested in the history of Japanese women. Memoirs of a Geisha will be one of my all time favorites!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Wow

Memoirs of a Geisha is one of my favorite novels of all time. I read the book when I was 17 and adored it.

The reader was incredible. Returning to this old favorite and listening to it while doing my housework was an absolute joy.

I thoroughly encourage you to download this title. Even if you've already read the book, you definitely won't regret it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

marieann

this was a great book! I don't usually get bio books (even fictional ones) but this was great. It doesn't lag, and the narrator did a great job.

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

Did not disappoint

Wow! I read all of the amazing reviews but was still shocked at how much I enjoyed this book! Incredible story, incredible life, incredible woman. Normally I think that 17 hour books are a little long but this one flew by. A must-listen!

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

great story

this was an amazing story to listen to. the narrator was a bit brisk and less emotional than I would have liked but the way some things were expressed or said was exquisite.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Five Stars

This is the best read I've ever had. I was so sad when it ended. So interesting, and a wonderful story. Read it, you will be glad you did!

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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

Geisha life is a different world

Geisha life is a different world. I didn't know how different and beautiful it would be until I began reading. There's so much imagery. I listened to the entire book in 2 days. It is a brilliant book.

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Wonderful story

What did you love best about Memoirs of a Geisha?

This is just plain ol entertainment! Such a good story. You can't go wrong with this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible imagery

This book is so well written...the imagery the author uses helps you visualize everything in such a poetic way. Truly an enjoyable listen!

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

Disappointed in narrator

Would have been more enjoyable if the narrator had an Asian accent to make the geishas more alive

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