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Memoirs of a Geisha

Discussions about manga, comics, magazines, and books.
OniKira
Absolute Otaku
Posts: 1323
Joined: Jun 06, 2005 8:34pm

Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by OniKira »

Has anyone read this fantastic book? If not, you should, especially if you have an interest in Japanese culture and geisha.

From a guy who's read this book, I must say that the book becomes a tad feminine form time to time, and occassionally embraces an erotic theme. However, this book addresses a poor girl named Chiyo, who, at the age of 6, is sold to a man named Tanaka, along with her sister. However, Chiyo is sold to be a maid at an okiya, an abode for geisha. Her sister is sold elsewhere. Obviously, Chiyo is to be a geisha. The first half of the novel deals with her struggles, for the idea of geishahood never occurs to Chiyo until later in the novel. She becomes a geisha and has to struggle with WWII turmoil. Torn between love for a man and self dignity, Chiyo is a powerful character, playing an amazing role in a gravitiating novel.

Thoughts on this novel?
OniRuroKen=OniLawliet=OniKira
I promise, this is the last name change. And don't you dare take one of my old names. I'll write you down if you do.

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Duelist of the Twilight
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re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Duelist of the Twilight »

Watching the movie makes me want to get the book. That movie was awesome!
*Oh my Lord, she came back!*
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OniKira
Absolute Otaku
Posts: 1323
Joined: Jun 06, 2005 8:34pm

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by OniKira »

YAY!! IM gonna go see da movie today.
OniRuroKen=OniLawliet=OniKira
I promise, this is the last name change. And don't you dare take one of my old names. I'll write you down if you do.

Equality. Tolerance. Respect.
Pink Supervisor|EL
Absolute Otaku
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re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Pink Supervisor|EL »

cool... um btw GL and HF with the moderator possision
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Kamiya Kaoru
Visitor

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Kamiya Kaoru »

I want to see that movie SO bad! But whenever we go to the theater we see something different. I'll probably see it tomorow tho becuase we're going to the movies.^-^
Kamiya Kaoru
Visitor

Re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Kamiya Kaoru »

OniRuroKen wrote:Has anyone read this fantastic book? If not, you should, especially if you have an interest in Japanese culture and geisha.

From a guy who's read this book, I must say that the book becomes a tad feminine form time to time, and occassionally embraces an erotic theme. However, this book addresses a poor girl named Chiyo, who, at the age of 6, is sold to a man named Tanaka, along with her sister. However, Chiyo is sold to be a maid at an okiya, an abode for geisha. Her sister is sold elsewhere. Obviously, Chiyo is to be a geisha. The first half of the novel deals with her struggles, for the idea of geishahood never occurs to Chiyo until later in the novel. She becomes a geisha and has to struggle with WWII turmoil. Torn between love for a man and self dignity, Chiyo is a powerful character, playing an amazing role in a gravitiating novel.

Thoughts on this novel?
I never knew it was a novel as well! I'll have to check that out at the library. Is it by Arthur Golden? Thats the one I'm reserving.
car2ie
Visitor

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by car2ie »

I have read it and it's a fabulous read. You are right about the feminine style of writing. It's a soft written novel. Neat though, I really enjoyed it.

I don't know if I'll see it in the theatres, for cost and the fact that somehow the movies usually lose something that the book leaves you.
OniKira
Absolute Otaku
Posts: 1323
Joined: Jun 06, 2005 8:34pm

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by OniKira »

well, i saw the movie and i was impressed.

the movie lacked a few parts from the novel. my biggest issue with the movie however, was the simplicity of the charas. in the film, hatsumomo is pure evil, sayuri/chiyo is innocent, mameha is kind, chairman is wise, pumpkin is a mix of deciet and confusion. in the novel, hatsumomo is proven to be one of the more complex and challening charas. the book is fantastic.

yes, the author is arthur golden.
OniRuroKen=OniLawliet=OniKira
I promise, this is the last name change. And don't you dare take one of my old names. I'll write you down if you do.

Equality. Tolerance. Respect.
Kamiya Kaoru
Visitor

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Kamiya Kaoru »

thanks^-^
Alexiel
Visitor

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Alexiel »

I've read the book and seen the movie both were breath taking!
OniKira
Absolute Otaku
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Joined: Jun 06, 2005 8:34pm

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by OniKira »

^indeed
OniRuroKen=OniLawliet=OniKira
I promise, this is the last name change. And don't you dare take one of my old names. I'll write you down if you do.

Equality. Tolerance. Respect.
ao_ame
Visitor

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by ao_ame »

This book is great to read I also love the movie. If you read Memoirs of a Geisha you should also read "Autobiography of a Geisha" by Sayo Masuda who was a real geisha.
Kamiya Kaoru
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re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Kamiya Kaoru »

I'll definetely give it a try!^-^
Kamiya Kaoru
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re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Kamiya Kaoru »

I still havent read Memoirs of a geisha! I'm 104 on the library waiting list! I think I'll just buy it.^-^
Sanakan
Mobile Suit Otaku
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Gender: Female

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Sanakan »

OMG the movie was fantastic!!!! I just saw it this weekend! Perfect 10 across the board! I saw the book in a FoodLion a few weeks ago. I hope they still have it so I can buy it...only problem is I'm broke ](*,)
Kamiya Kaoru
Visitor

re: Memoirs of a Geisha

Post by Kamiya Kaoru »

I was going to buy it but-as KuroNeko said-I'm broke. I had to do some work to just get enough money to buy my friend a valentines day present. ^-^
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