A review by vics_reads
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This has been on my shelf for 25 years! I finally got around to reading it and I know this is a very popular book. I have conflicting thoughts about it. 
***Probably contains spoilers***
I really enjoyed the historical & descriptive writing about the geishas preparation, rituals & training. 
Life was hard during the 1930s and post war but reading about exploition of these young girls by older women & men did give me an uneasy feeling. 
I must remember it was written yonks ago so it's of its time and fictionalised from real stories told to a white American. 
I was captivated at the start, page turning... then I got a bit bored, it was slow & it felt like filler. 
And then that ending. Meh. I wanted it to involve her sister! 
Anyway overall I'm glad I've finally read it and I want to go to Japan one day. 4⭐