Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Memoirs of a Geisha was the very first book I read that completely took my breath away in a way that was totally filling and satisfying. Before this novel, I had only been indulging in young adult books, the Sweet Valley series to be precise (Haha!).

I believe Memoirs was my first adult book, and, suffice it to say, I was blown away by its intricacy, the beauty of the language, the pacing of the book, and the character descriptions and development. I was transported into a completely foreign world; yet, somehow, it also felt like home.  I was so engrossed in Sayuri's rise from a village girl to one of the most successful and beautiful geishas of her time. The jealousy and rivalry between her and the villainess, Hatsumomo also heightened the overall mood of the book. Her presence in the story really raised the stakes.

There is also the love story between Sayuri and the Chairman - her driving force to become and succeed as a geisha. This is quite heartbreaking because of the juxtaposition of her pure and innocent love for him and the nature of her job.

Most of all, I loved how the book sparked my interest in a completely foreign time and culture. It opened up my eyes to the wonderful world of geishas - their beauty, their practices, their beliefs, their goals, their hearts, their dreams.   Memoirs of a Geisha is one of those books that truly makes you feel as if you've traveled to another place - you really were there and you really knew these people. It is a wonderful page turner and overall reading experience.

5 stars *****