Memoirs of a Geisha enters a world that I had no idea about. It takes place in the early 20th century in Japan. Geishas are entertainers, musicians, dancers, partners, and so much more. The “much more” isn’t always virtuous or pleasant, but it is part of who they are. Sayuri is sold as a child to an okiya (a boarding/training house for geisha). The book follows her struggles as she grows up – first to become a geisha, and then to learn how to navigate that entirely new world. Her story is compelling. There is no question that you will be cheering for Sayuri to succeed, even though some of the decisions she has to make would not be ones that you would make. This is a world I loved reading about, but certainly not one I would want to actually live in.
And while the characters rile up your emotions, and the plot keeps you guessing until the end, it’s really the atmosphere that hooked me. I was reluctant to pick up this book if I only had a few minutes to read. I knew I had to wait for a time and place when I could enter Sayuri’s world completely and leave my own behind. Because of Arthur Golden’s ability to create a living world, I would gladly pick up anything else he’s written, no matter the topic. Sometimes the world of a book sticks with you, long after the plot has faded from your mind. This is one of those books.
And while the characters rile up your emotions, and the plot keeps you guessing until the end, it’s really the atmosphere that hooked me. I was reluctant to pick up this book if I only had a few minutes to read. I knew I had to wait for a time and place when I could enter Sayuri’s world completely and leave my own behind. Because of Arthur Golden’s ability to create a living world, I would gladly pick up anything else he’s written, no matter the topic. Sometimes the world of a book sticks with you, long after the plot has faded from your mind. This is one of those books.
| Atmosphere |
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