I enjoyed this book tremendously. The descriptive words were captivating. To think that a male author can portray the emotions and style of the geisha in such a way that I forgot it was a male author was amazing. It was immensely believeable. The story has so many twists and turns and such suspense that I couldn't put it down.

I recommend this book to everyone!

Very interesting reading. Learned a lot about a different way of life.

I was enchanted by the delicacy of the writing: I BELIEVED it was written by a Japanese woman, reflecting on her past. My favourite books teach me something about a different place, or time, or lifestyle - within the context of a good plot and well-written prose. Memoirs of a Geisha is a wonderful example of this kind of literature.

I would recommend this book whole-heartedly. It's a great read, moves quickly, with great discussion possibilities. My book group did a book and movie night, watching the movie and discussing the book. This allows for a comparison of a visual medium versus a literary medium.

If this "novel disquised as a memior" can be believed for it's historical content, a lot can be learned about the Japanese culture in general and the geisha culture specifically. This was my first exposure to the world of geisha and I find it facinating. Told from the 1st person, the reader really gets the "down and dirty look" at the society surrounding the giesha. It is really a story of contradictions: slavery/freedom, female dominance/female subservancy, "best day of my life"/"worst day of my life." So far, a great read.

A beautifully told story. I could not put it down and I didn't want the book to end. I was very impressed with how the author drew you in and made it so believable.

I loved this book. From the descriptions of the beautiful kimonos to the relationships between the characters, I was totally absorbed. It's one of those books that truly takes the reader into a different world.

Ok I really love to read the books before ever watching a movie because the movie always seems to suck in comparison. However, this is an exception. The story itself is ok but I just think this is one of those books with a story that could've been told in a lot less words. If you have the time, go ahead and read it. But if you want a gift book to someone who is not so interested in reading like a teenager--don't start them with this book. Let them watch the movie.

I think, especially because it is written by a white male, there are so many things to discuss; i.e., relgion, ethnicity, food, honor, traditions. Our book club talked for 2 hours about this book!

I couldn't put it down and didn't want to finish it because I loved every word!!!Must read!

This was a very good read. The author did a beautiful writing it and I loved learning about another culture.

There is a lot of tragedy in a Geisha's life. But Golden has show us all that we have the power to control our response to what life throws at us. We can let life turn us bitter. We can try to run away from it. Or we can accept our fate and make the most of the life we are given.

You can read this book as a great epic story of a young girl learning to become a woman. Or you can read this book as a lesson plan in how we all can live our lives and help one another to be successful and achieve our goals.

This book is by far my favorite book ever. I am not a fan of the Far East traditions or culture per se, but this book was incredible - especially as it was written by a man! No more talented author on the planet if you ask me. The movie follows the book exactly, I loved it as well - which surprised me.

I just don't have any interest in Japanese or Geisha culture. Nothing about this book interested me and I couldn't get into it at all. I know I am in the minority here, so enjoy it if you like. It's just not my cup of sake.

This is a tale of fate, heartache and the human spirit's ability to not only survive, but thrive in very difficult and unfortunate situations. I found this book very interesting and loved the beautiful detail and description in it. I could picture the amazing kimonos, interesting people and character's surroundings as the story was told. Also impressive was that it was written by a man who was writing from the stance of an old Japanese woman reflecting on her life and telling her story. The way he wrote it seemed so real, was very convincing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This book has been in publicartion for over 30yrs...
It is beautifully and brilliantly written and stand the test of time!!

We also watched the DVD as a group and it was well liked. This story inspired the question and have men ever been Geishas? Well written however, learned about a lawsuit for a confidentiality breech.

Please remember that this book is fiction.