Geisha: A Life by Mineko Iwasaki Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Geisha: A Life
Book Review: geisha
Summary: 4 Stars
This book was not as fluent as "memoirs of a geisha"...but I enjoyed it very much. The 1st hand experience of someone that had lived the Geisha life style. I really appreciateded it. I would read it again!
Book Review: interesting book
Summary: 4 Stars
The introduction chapters about her ancestors were a little confusing becasue there were too many names with long spelling. The chapters sharing her memories with her parents were sweet, but yet a little too short and not so informative. Later chapters when she shared memories of her times as a Geisha was interesting. The life of a Geisha, the clothings, the music, the dance and Geisha were well described. Short and simple. Mineko is an interesting person. Not antisocial or self center, but hard head. I enjoy reading how she defended her pride, and how she remained respectful to her oldest sister in public. Between the line, Mineko explained the meaning of family and respect. I enjoy mostly the fact that no one can injure her pride nor destroy her dignity.Book Review: karyukai
Summary: 4 Stars
"I want you to know what is really like to live the life of geisha, a life filled with extraordinary professional demands and richly glorious rewards. Many say I was the best geisha of my generation; I was certainly the most successful. And yet, it was a life that I found to constricting to continue. And one that I ultimately had to leave."
The story of Mineko Iwasaki captures the glorification of the rich, aristocratic and burden behind all the fame and admiration. Reading this book has helped clears the myths and assumptions of what being a geisha is all about it. It's eloquently emphasizes that geishas are a work of art and the whole business is the exploitation of art and not bodies. Personally, I'm highly recommended this book for people who are interested in the Japanese lifestyle, culture and values. Though it also has a universal theme where one has to give up other's hopes dreams no matter how hard they work for and to live and pursue their own dreams and reclaim back their life from the people. Overall, I really couldn't put this book down, and was completely fascinated by the beautiful details of the different elements needed for a rising geisha, and a maturing woman.
Book Review: love it
Summary: 3 Stars
I didn't know what to expect when reading this book. All I knew is I wanted to know more about what it is truly like to live the life as a Geisha. I felt the story line was a bit boring a times. I didn't think that much detail needed to be portrayed in the dress and hairstyles. I felt as though I was reading to take a test on the definition of a hairpiece or hairstyles etc. However I did like the feel of the book and it did give me good knowledge on what its like to be a geisha. I suppose I expected the details of the storyline to be more exciting. Instead the details of her clothes, dress, and tea ceremonies were the main them of the book. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested on the history of Geisha clothes, dance, and hair.