Take a photo of a barcode or cover
flakeyflamingo 's review for:
Geisha: The Secret History of a Vanishing World
by Lesley Downer
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Wow. I feel like there is a lot to unpack and contemplate after reading this book. I bought it out of interest in learning more about Geisha and it did not disappoint. After reading it I felt like learned not just about Geisha, but a lot more about the history of Japan through a certain lens that is not often looked through. I also gained a lot of insight into gender dynamics in Japan, and was left with many questions, pondering the direction that Japan's future might take.
Downer goes over the rise of Geisha, famous stories from the Geisha world of the past (I particularly enjoyed this part), and her own experiences witnessing modern day Maiko and Geisha (though 24 years have now passed since it has been published - it would be amazing if she ever did a sequel.) Some of the descriptions do get repetitive at times, but in general it was not at all a difficult read. A well worthwhile look into the world of Geisha that any anthropology enthusiast will relish.
Downer goes over the rise of Geisha, famous stories from the Geisha world of the past (I particularly enjoyed this part), and her own experiences witnessing modern day Maiko and Geisha (though 24 years have now passed since it has been published - it would be amazing if she ever did a sequel.) Some of the descriptions do get repetitive at times, but in general it was not at all a difficult read. A well worthwhile look into the world of Geisha that any anthropology enthusiast will relish.