Memoirs of a Geisha

Right from our childhood we have been told this is an epic story that is a classic book. I always use to wonder who makes them epics or what do they contain to be termed as classics. If you also would like to know then this is a book for you – Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

In case you are wondering like me what a Geisha is – It is a Girl who performs at tea houses in Japan. I always wanted to know nuances and aspects of different cultures and when twined with such a touching story it becomes a lethal combination. It all starts with two young girls in a Japanese village and moved on to their life which has succumbed to the circumstantial and fatal blows of life. Entire childhood went into coming terms with the new found life or rather slavery.

The minute details like dressing, rituals and social intricacies are explained in an elaborative and yet spellbound way. How a girl child is coping with a traumatic childhood with a little bit of vengeance and indifference together and then fighting back to rule (or if not “rule” then to make her place in) the same society is remarkable. Very subtly Arthur has roped in a love story in the entire second half of the book which comes in the fore front towards the end. You would experience the meaning of “Memoirs” throughout this read.

Ending of the book is apt, character depiction is marvelous and I feel overall this score above then most of the books I have read so far.