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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
fast-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
It was indeed a very interesting and amazing journey or I might even call it an adventure for me, who's only looking in from the outside. I love memoirs or books like this that allow you to travel for free; in a different life, country, culture, EVEN back in time. I love learning about other people's lives and stepping into their shoes.
However, it's very sad that it was simply a TRANSLATION of Mineko Iwasaki's life instead of actually putting in the effort to formally write her story in English. It was LAZY WORK for me, not putting in much thought, and just literally translating. It was so obvious that the writer didn't think about the writing that much and didn't bother to proofread or edit. There were so many errors and many times she wrote how she spoke which can be annoying at times. She quickly jumps from one topic to another, even though they are super unrelated, which can also be disturbing. It's basically translating for the sake of it. This is my only issue.
But overall, loved the stories, the learnings, the realizations, and the book!
However, it's very sad that it was simply a TRANSLATION of Mineko Iwasaki's life instead of actually putting in the effort to formally write her story in English. It was LAZY WORK for me, not putting in much thought, and just literally translating. It was so obvious that the writer didn't think about the writing that much and didn't bother to proofread or edit. There were so many errors and many times she wrote how she spoke which can be annoying at times. She quickly jumps from one topic to another, even though they are super unrelated, which can also be disturbing. It's basically translating for the sake of it. This is my only issue.
But overall, loved the stories, the learnings, the realizations, and the book!
I am biased toward this subject matter, so I was destined to thoroughly enjoy this book no matter what.
I loved this book.
So... it was said that Memoirs of a Geisha was based very loosely off of interviews with Meneko Iwasaki right? Well, having read both books - they are both incredible in their own right.
But, with Geisha of Gion you really get a feel for what the life of a geisha is really like, there is no false information like there is in memoirs of a geisha (for example the mizuage). This book completely shows that the rumours about Geisha's being intimate with their clients are completely fabricated and inacurate - that working as a geisha does not mean you sell your body but you sell your art and company.
Definately a must read if you want to know what life as a Geisha is really like.
So... it was said that Memoirs of a Geisha was based very loosely off of interviews with Meneko Iwasaki right? Well, having read both books - they are both incredible in their own right.
But, with Geisha of Gion you really get a feel for what the life of a geisha is really like, there is no false information like there is in memoirs of a geisha (for example the mizuage). This book completely shows that the rumours about Geisha's being intimate with their clients are completely fabricated and inacurate - that working as a geisha does not mean you sell your body but you sell your art and company.
Definately a must read if you want to know what life as a Geisha is really like.
Ever since I read Shogun and Memoirs of a Geisha I have been fascinated with Geisha. This biography was a nice and matter of fact retelling of the most famous geisha of her time. I recommend it for a comfortable easy read.
emotional
informative
medium-paced
A beautiful biography. She doesn't sugarcoat the life she lived, but presents the good, the bad, and the ugly. You get to meet wonderful, supportive people, and selfish ones. All the mix of life's fabric is present. It's beautiful!
The author was very intent on clearing up the myth that geisha are prostitutes and I think she succeeded.
It was an interesting look at an ultra secret society. I was fascinated. She came from the aristocracy and then was sent to live in a world supported by the rich, so maybe not a story of perseverance as we normally think of. It's always intriguing to pull back the curtain on something like this. On the one hand, it's a preservation of Japanese culture, but on the other is a restrictive life only accessible to the rich. I'm conflicted about the whole thing.
I suppose also I'm confused on a point of Japanese culture also. I admire the ideals of respect and concern for the group over the individual, but it offended my sense of justice when she had to accept any wrong accusation so their house could 'save face.' That's probably just a misunderstanding of the culture. I hope to read more on that.
It was an interesting look at an ultra secret society. I was fascinated. She came from the aristocracy and then was sent to live in a world supported by the rich, so maybe not a story of perseverance as we normally think of. It's always intriguing to pull back the curtain on something like this. On the one hand, it's a preservation of Japanese culture, but on the other is a restrictive life only accessible to the rich. I'm conflicted about the whole thing.
I suppose also I'm confused on a point of Japanese culture also. I admire the ideals of respect and concern for the group over the individual, but it offended my sense of justice when she had to accept any wrong accusation so their house could 'save face.' That's probably just a misunderstanding of the culture. I hope to read more on that.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced