What an epic story about the circumstances of Chiyo as a nine year old taken from her family and "tipsy" house at the fisherman's village of Yoroido Japan in the 1920's when a child could be sold into servitude. She and her sister are taken to Gion - Chiyo into a Geisha house; her 15 year old sister Satsu, unwanted at the Geisha house, is relegated to a whorehouse in the same town. There Chiyo meets a kindly man who gives her money to buy a shaved ice cone to take her troubles away as she sits at the bridge lamenting her loss - that of not having kept her meeting with her sister to run away, and her fate at the Geisha house; suffering at the hands of a cruel Geisha jealous of anyone more beautiful. Chiyo's distinguishing characteristic of grey-blue eyes makes her a high commodity in the community. She is mentored by a kindly Geisha named Mameha and goes on to becoming a legend - through the Depression, wartime, and adversity in the Geisha house - through extreme abuse of not only the Mother of the house, but Chiyo's nemisis, Hotsumomo, the jealous rival. Throughout the story, she clings to the memory of the kind man - who gave her his handkerchief when he gave her money to buy the ice cone. This she uses as her talisman until she can again see the man, named Chairman. The story has a wonderful ending; yes, she is finally reconciled with the Chairman who tells her it was he who sent Mameha to mentor her to become Geisha and to tell her he loved her all along, but could not show his love because through some fateful moment at a Sumo match, she had to give her attention to his friend, Nobu. It was because of this that Chairman could not approach her - Nobu, a wartime wounded and disfigured hero (he was known as Mr. Lizard because of his burnt face and body) and his good friend thought he could find happiness with her. In the end, it is a triumph of spirit through unbelievable tragic circumstances, fate and cruelty. I loved this book because we are shown that no matter what life's circumstances are, if you believe enough in something (such as Love), the fates CAN BE GIVING. Love triumphal.Read full review
I love to read into peoples lives. Their thoughts, actions, and decisions are what makes a person who they are. This book was simply wonderful. I ended up buying it because I owned the paperback and the pages were falling out of it. My roommate at the time bought it for me sayin that if I liked the movie I'd like the book too. Look, if you enjoy anythin about Japan and wonder how a Geisha lives her life then this is an excellent book. You are able to follow along as a male author perfectly describes a female Geisha and all of her life problems. It is a wonderful read and I'd suggest it to anyone, even people who don't seem that interested. Give it a chance! You'll love it!
It is hard to believe this book is a work of fiction. The author writes as if he were "Within the Walls" of the Okiya in Gion. A Book I can use as reference as well as entertainment. I cannot say anything more than "Read It".
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I love this book. I bought it before but it was a softcover and got destroyed. Now I have it in hardcover and I got it covered by the library.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I’ve seen the movie and then I saw that there was a book I knew I needed it . I can’t stop reading this book!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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