Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10674 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Customer Reviews

amazing
unlike memoirs of a geisha which is a work of fiction this is the real life story of mineko iwasak, the most famous geisha. starting from when she decides to become a geisha and finishing with her retirement from the restrictive world of geisha. wonderfully written and the descriptive detail is lovely, easy to read though and you just cant put it down.

Geisha of Gion
I was given this book by a friend and only started reading it because I had no other book to hand - to my suprise, I couldn't put it down! This book is beautifully written. As other reviewers rightly state, Mineko Iwasaki writes factually, however she offers insight beyond the phenomenon of Geiko; she helped me better understand the importance of 'honour' amongst the Japanese people and the impact of this way of thinking upon Japanese culture. A rare jewel of a book.

an interesting read
An intersting biography, very easy reading and a good introduction to the Geisha culture. Mineko describes the hard work that goes into her former craft, which seeks perfection. I found the detailed descriptions of clothing, ceremonies and training fascinating.

Mineko describes her very insular experience, she also does not shy away from describing some of her own worst aspects, refreshing in an autobiography.

Not a perfect book by any means, as at times it skims the surface, but a worthwhile and enjoyable read.