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bookish_sabrina 's review for:
Geisha, a Life
by Mineko Iwasaki
Glad to have read her story over Memoirs of a Geisha. It was a bit long and repetitive, but I think it is so important to make the distinction between geisha and prostitute, as well as the incorporation of a tradition like the geisha in a 20th century world.
Is Mineko Iwasaki the most likable person in the world? No, but she is clearly strong, independent, capable, and not afraid to go after the things she wants. She takes no shit. And those are all extremely admirable qualities, especially in a time and place as patriarchal as Japan in the immediate post-war era. I am astounded and discouraged that these traits are overshadowed by criticisms of her entitled attitude and stubbornness.
I felt like this was a cultural gap in my knowledge that I am glad to have filled in reading this book.
Is Mineko Iwasaki the most likable person in the world? No, but she is clearly strong, independent, capable, and not afraid to go after the things she wants. She takes no shit. And those are all extremely admirable qualities, especially in a time and place as patriarchal as Japan in the immediate post-war era. I am astounded and discouraged that these traits are overshadowed by criticisms of her entitled attitude and stubbornness.
I felt like this was a cultural gap in my knowledge that I am glad to have filled in reading this book.