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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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Timeless and wise

One of my favorite books ever. Vibrant historical setting of Japan and its cultural changes from depression through WWII

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  • 07-20-22

Real life of Geisha written by non Japanese, amazingly great book and narration.

Even Japanese natives include myself listen to this book is so much to learn and sucked into the world of this book and I also love this particular narrator. This is the book first time encounter outside of Japan, Geisha is very well trained with Japanese cultural music, classical dancing and manner. They are highly respected and definitely Not prostitute. This book is very addictive and well written. I would like to read more book written by Mr. Arthur Golden. Did he write any other books?

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it's been 10 years and I still love it

I first read this book 10 years ago in high school and have loved it since. it was nice to hear it read to me

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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book! Definately worth a listen.

This is not my usual type of book, and I only read it because a friend pushed me to read it. I am so grateful he did. It was wonderful. A classic in the making.

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Great Book!

I loved the book! the Audible was a bit abrupt at the end, but it was still wonderful!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Memorable from start to Finish

Any additional comments?

This is Fantastic!! Great narration with pronunciation of all of the Japanese terms and places. All of the different voices were really well-done. The story is unforgettable. I felt like the narrator became Sayuri. This story makes me want to go to Japan! One of my favorite books.

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    5 out of 5 stars

A favorite for sure!

I have enjoyed this book so much, as have all of my friends who have read or listened to this. The book is excellently written, and the narrator does a fantastic job! My only disappointment is that the author hasn't written more.

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One of the best ever!

This book is extraordinary, whenever I look for a good read, I just want another book that makes me feel like this one did. The cultural aspects where so rich and interesting. The drama was engaging and the characters are so human and dreamy at the same time. This book is completely different from the movie, the movie doesn't even follow the story so if you saw it, forget about it, the world you will get in too is so much more deep, colorful and filled with different emotions.

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Really enjoyed it!

This was a very interesting story! I was interested the entire way through! Highly recommend!!

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Phenomenal

Third time reading it now ikr my life and I couldn't be happier with it. I love Japanese culture and geisha culture, it's so true to it

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