99 pages • 3 hours read
Arthur GoldenA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
434
Novel • Fiction
Kyoto, Japan • 1930s
1997
Adult
16+ years
1000L
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden follows the life of Sayuri, a girl sold to an okiya in Gion where she endures adversities to become a renowned geisha. Navigating rivalry, war, and complicated relationships, Sayuri's path intersects with kindness and betrayal, eventually leading her to achieve her dream of love and stability as she leaves her geisha life behind. The book addresses themes of exploitation and trauma.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Romantic
Emotional
2,050,680 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden portrays the captivating life of a geisha with rich historical detail and evocative prose, earning praise for its immersive storytelling. However, some critics argue that it perpetuates stereotypes and inaccuracies about Japanese culture. Overall, the novel is seen as a compelling yet controversial read.
A reader who would enjoy Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden is typically interested in historical fiction, cultural immersion, and intricate character development. Fans of The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern may find this novel equally captivating for its vivid storytelling and rich, setting-based narrative.
2,050,680 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
434
Novel • Fiction
Kyoto, Japan • 1930s
1997
Adult
16+ years
1000L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.