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Geisha : A Life
Geisha A Life
Author: Mineko Iwasaki, Rande Brown
No woman in the three-hundred-year history of the karyukai has ever come forward in public to tell her story -- until now. "Many say I was the best geisha of my generation," writes Mineko Iwasaki. "And yet, it was a life that I found too constricting to continue. And one that I ultimately had to leave." Trained to become a geisha from th...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780743444293
ISBN-10: 0743444299
Publication Date: 10/1/2003
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 142

3.8 stars, based on 142 ratings
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Great book. I had finished "Memoirs of a Geisha" right before reading this and loved that one also. Memoirs is fiction, while this is autobiographical so there are differences in the details. The story is told beautifully and gives a great peek into the life of a real geisha. It dispels a lot of myths and misconceptions that people have. Definitely worth the read - especially if you are interested in that aspect of Japanese culture.
reviewed Geisha : A Life on
Helpful Score: 6
This is an interesting memoire in which a woman who describes herself as one of the pre-eminent geishas of post-war Japan describes how she came to be a geisha (or geiko) as well as what her training was to achieve the title. Since it isn't fiction it's devoid of drama but full of interesting facts about a life inside a compound of powerful women living much more complex and empowered lives than you might guess.
reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 174 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
For those of you who have read "Memoirs Of A Geisha," this gives a fascinating account of a real geisha's life. It was fun to compare.
AshleyL avatar reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
It was interesting to read a personal, real-life story of a geisha. If you've read or plan to read Memoirs of a Geisha or any book like that, it's fun to be able to compare fact and fiction. Even if you haven't or won't read a fictional geisha story, it's still interesting to read a first-hand account about the lives of geisha and everything from the what is demanded of them, their day-to-day lives, and even how much their kimono may cost. Overall, a good read if you're interested in geisha or Japanese culture. There are several pages of photographs as well.

Also, this is the same book as Geisha of Gion. The book was published as Geisha, A Life in the U.S. and Geisha of Gion in the UK.
reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A fascinating read. It has been criticized for not being as descriptive as the Memoirs of a Geisha. I find this funny since it is actually a memoir and not a work of fiction. I've read both and find this book engaging.
Read All 32 Book Reviews of "Geisha A Life"

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reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 87 more book reviews
This story is the true story of Mineko Iwasaki who was a Geisha for several years. She shares her life experience growning up and how she became a Geisha. I found the story to be very fasinating as she tells how the different individuals who shaped her and her drive to succeed.
Yoni avatar reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 327 more book reviews
An interesting story of a geisha and the culture surrounding it, but also a story of a very strong woman.
reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 1452 more book reviews
This is a delightful story about a most successful woman who chooses to change her lifestyle at age 29. The author was trained from the age of 6, learned many lessons of life and talks in frankness about her life as a geisha. Very good read!
Hissy-Fitz avatar reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 19 more book reviews
A well-written look behind the scenes at the life of a Geisha - a disappearing, at best, way of life.

Very descriptive and perfectly charming.
reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 72 more book reviews
It was a fascinating look at a different culture and everyday life as a Geisha. I didn't care very much for the writing style and thought she went into too much detail at times. However, if you are interested in Japanese society, I would recommend this book.
woodworm avatar reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 92 more book reviews
Good description of what it was like to grow up in the rigorous lifestyle of a geisha. Worth the read.
justreadingabook avatar reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 1726 more book reviews
Very cool look into the real personal life of a geisha. You will learn so much on how they are truly a walking piece of art to be admired.
reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 18 more book reviews
If you liked Memoirs of a Geisha you'll love this book. Very detailed and interesting.
reviewed Geisha : A Life on + 77 more book reviews
In depth and full of amazing details. I read this cover to cover in as little time as I could manage. Fascinating.


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