Memoirs of a Geisha

By: Arthur Golden

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins

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)

Perfect ---- in every way

As a fluent (second-language) speaker of Japanese, I was shocked to read that many found the narrator's pronunciation "incorrect". Ms. Dunne has narrated various accents, from a young Japanese girl to a middle-aged Jewish woman (Garlic & Sapphires...), and did a fantastic job with them all. Her pronunciation of the English language was done with the inflection of a native Japanese speaker. Please consider the artistry of speech when listening to an Audiobook. "Not taking the time to learn the correct pronunciation" may not at all be the case.

Excellent

This is on my top 10 list of books I'd take to a desert island, no, top 5 list. I was mesmerized by the haunting beauty of the writing. Especially as it is not the kind of book I would normally have chosen. I have recommended it to all fo my friends.

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!

Outstanding!

An absolutely fantastic journey into a world of heritage, culture, self-discovery, passion, emotion.....well, need I say more! Bernadette Dunne is an excellent narrator, who catapults you alongside each step of Sayuri' life. The author, Mr. Golden, is a masterful, vivid writer. Immediately, upon listening to the first couple of minutes, I was transported into each segment of the story.

I am a Premium subscriber with hundreds of logged listening hours of fine books. This is the first time that I was moved enough by a great book to take the time to tell the world what a fine work of art Mr. Golden has given us. I can't wait to see the movie!

A great book, although not a true story

I've been doing some research and, apparently, the story is fictional and not true as so many people believed, including myself. The story written by Arthur Golden was collaborated upon by Mineko Iwasaki, a real geisha who is still living today. If you are interested in her autobiography, she has written a book entitled "Geisha : A Life". I feel a bit silly now for having believed these people were real and I feel a bit disappointed that they weren't. I suppose, in a way, they were real because they represent a historical period and a way of life that really existed. In any case, the story is a wonderful one and I still very highly recommend it to everybody.

Memoirs gave me much to think about!

I did not expect this to be such a compelling, intriguing book. I had no idea I would yearn to hear more and more. At it's end, I am sad it's over but feel Sayuri has left me with many good things. I will listen to this again.

I definitely recommend this book.

I waited too long

I was afraid this book would contain graphic sex and I was hesitant to purchase it... waited way too long. Of course the story can't be told without sexual relationships, however, they are so beautifully and simply told that I couldn't find it offensive. Adult reading for sure...but not vulgar. Such a beautiful story, I came away not wanting to read anything else for a while and keep this one in my thoughts.

In Defense of the Narrator

This is the best novel I have ever listened to. As a guy who spends at least 3 hours a day commuting to and from work, I have listen to a lot of audio books. I want to come to the defense of the narrator, who has been disparaged by several reviewers. She is perfect in every way. Her voice is beautiful and exotic. And she plays the part exactly as I envision Sayuri would speak if she were telling her story - elegantly, but with a matter-of-fact cadence and a detachment required for her sanity and dignity. Of course, you are free to question the wisdom of a guy who spends at least 3 hours a day commuting to and from work.

What a terrible reader for this book

Until a new version is available that doesn't sound like it is being read by an elementary school teacher, skip this audiobook. Her reading of simple Japanese words will pull you right out of the story. It is cringeworthy!

If there is ever a new version, I'll buy it, but this one isn't worth the credits or a sale price.

performance almost ruins the book

I read the book and loved the story. I thought it would be great to listen to on a recent road trip. I immediately regretted not listening to the sample before I purchased it. The narrator is just horrible.
Eventually, I just let it drone on as white noise in the background. Very disappointing.

Didn't want it to end..................

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Had previously read the book (albeit some time ago)but none of the enjoyment was lost. Well written and ably narrated, you become truly lost in the life of a Geisha and of Japan before, during and after WW11.

An Emotional Rollercoaster

This was my first audible buy and it has really set the standard - I could not bear to be separated from my i-pod as I listened to this gripping story. I was completely absorbed by the story and felt I was sharing all of Sayuri's highs and lows - it was a real rollercoaster of emotions where I found my self screaming out loud at some points as you saw the naivety of some of her decisions/actions and cheering when certain individuals got their just desserts! My 14 year old son has also listened to it and enjoyed it as much as I did (although he probably wouldn?t admit it to his friends!) We both found it a wonderful, moving tale, beautifully narrated.

A remarkable life

Beautifully written in an elegant style befitting its subject and brought to life by superb narration. I was carried along by the emotion in this captivating story. I did not want it to end.

Amazing !!

I had no idea how good it would be but once I started could not stop listening !!! An amazing true story, beautifully written and always with such emotion and elegance.

What's with this narrator?

Any additional comments?

I listened to the abridged version before this full version. Why did they change the narrators? The Japanese narrator was far better, and didn't mispronounce Japanese words. It's highly irritating. I enjoy getting immersed into a book by the narrator but this Bernadette Dunne did a poor, robotic and dull job.

fascinating insight

I had Memoirs of a Geisha for several months before I listened to it. Somehow I thought it might be a bit dry but from the first few minutes I was captivated.

Information about how the author came to write the book is interesting and adds to the overall picture.

The personal story is told with great detail and no self pity - it is a fascinating insight into the world of Geishas and Japan at that time.

better than I thought it wopuld be!

There were parts of this story that I found slightly dull, but at no point did I want to stop listening. I think it paints a colourful picture of pre-war Japan without lengthy or boring description. A little sadness, a little love, revenge and intrigue and a story that maintains a good pace throughout most of the book. I was suprised that such a story could keep me so entertained.

Robotic narration

I am somewhat bemused by the other reviews of this. The book may well be fine though to me the prose seems to be rather clunky - I can't tell - I may not be doing it justice as the narration is so appalling. The narrator has a painfully de-lib-er-ate style of delivery almost completely lacking in inflexion and expression - bizarre. To me it sounds like nothing more than an old-style voice simulator. Odd and near-unlistenable.

LOVE the story but horrible natration

LOVED the story ( for the 5th time) but what a horribly narrated book! i coukd not find an alternative online although many years ago i had a copy read by someone else with a beautiful voice!

Memoirs of a Geisha

I thought this was a beautiful book, the narration was excellent and I enjoyed it enormously.