Memoirs of a Geisha

By: Arthur Golden

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Nitta Sayuri tells us in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate of her life as a geisha. Her story begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion.

It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction - at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful - and completely unforgettable.

©1997 Arthur Golden; Copyright ©1998 by Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Astonishing...Breathtaking...You are seduced completely." (Washington Post Book World)
"...a bravura performance, a first novel that provides a vivid view into a largely lost and secret world." (The Los Angeles Times Sunday Book Review)

Best Listen Yet

This story actually kept me SITTING IN PARKING SPACE listening to the end, after a 1-1/2 hour commute home. The narrator performed the many characters so well, and the story itself is informative, emotional, and captivating. To top it off, it's a true story.

Fantastic story

I never would've imagined I'd listen to a book like this as I am usually a suspense fan. However, this book had me intrigued from the beginning. Even its length didn't seem adequate enough as I found myself wanting more. The writing is brilliant and colorful and the narration is perfect. A good friend recommended this to me, and I will pass the recommendation along to everyone I know. One's normal tastes in books doesn't apply here. This is a story you don't want to miss.

Beautifully written; wonderfully read

What an intriguing story, beautifully written and wonderfully read. A masterpiece. I've listened to it twice already.

A Well-Crafted Story

Any additional comments?

Loved this book. It's well-written, engaging, and is an interesting look at this culture and time period. The characters are fully rounded and dynamic.

I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator right away, but settled in as the story went on. He's ok, but doesn't necessarily bring Japan to life.

Overall though, this is a great listen, and I definitely recommend it.

I loved this book more than I could have imagined!

I love this book so much. Bernadette was the perfect narrator. (In audiobooks a narrator can make or break the book)
The story paints such a picture as she’s explaining her life that I can see the story. I can see the the kimono, or taste something foul she describes.
The story itself is mesmerizing. I will read/listen to this one many more times.

My Absolute Favorite

This is my first time going through this story via audiobook, and it was just as amazing as the print and even movie.

Amazing

I enjoyed this audiobook very much. I believe that most people would. I think my review title says it all.

Wonderful!

I haven't researched the history of Geisha but found this to be captivating, heart breaking, heart warming, and very believable. A great read!

Loved it!

I've had the book for years and finally read it when I d/l the audiobook. So glad I did, I even watched the movie, which... of course, wasn't nearly as good as the book. The narrator did an excellent job and had me so interested, that I would fall asleep w/ my mp3 player and earphones in because I didn't want to stop listening.

Powerful

An absolutely wonderful book read by an outstanding narrator. A must have!