Geisha of Gion: The Memoir of Mineko Iwasaki
by Mineko Iwasaki, Rande Brown
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Book Reviews of Geisha of Gion: The Memoir of Mineko Iwasaki
Book Review: nice autobiography but lacks something
Summary: 3 Stars
Having read both Memoirs of a Geisha and the Geisha of Gion, one must include that either the geisha life changed very much from pre to postwar, or that one of these two girls is mis-representing the truth. While there are many similarities in the two books, the Geisha of Gion paints a prettier picture than Memoirs. Of course, little Mineko was always the adopted daughter of the okiya and did not have to contend with the hardships that other geisha faced. At first, the main character seems strange for a little girl, even a little obnoxious. One must assume this is because the author is remembering her childhood, and hindsight is as they say 20/20. The story begins a bit slowly, but does become quite interesting and follows the geisha's career to her retirement at a young age. Her life is a brighter, happier place than other geishas I've read about although she is oddly introverted and anti-social. There is a bit of romance in the story, but it is told matter-of-factly.
In total, it is quite obvious that this is an autobiographical work because it is lacking the storytelling genius of Memoirs of a Geisha. It starts at the beginning of Mineko's life and ends with her retirement, with little suspense inbetween. To learn more about geishas in the mid-twentieth century, it is undoubtedly an excellent source. As a story, it lacks magic.
Book Review: A very very nice book
Summary: 5 Stars
Having had my first taste of the intriguing life of Geisha with Memiors of a Geisha, I didn't hesitate to read this book about the exquisite & foreign life. An added bonus, it's a true story with photographs. Mineka was born Masako & at the age of five was adopted by the house of Iwasaki to become the Atotori or heiress of the house, whose fortune was in its collection of expensive Kimono & accessories. The writer takes us through her journey from the first time she met with the owner of the Okiya or Geisha house till she stood in court & told the judge that she of her own free will wishes to be adopted by the Iwasaki family.
She loved to dance & it was for dancing that she endured the strict life & rules of the Geisha world. A shy person by nature she marvels at the fate that brought her into a profession where her duty is to entertain people by witty conversation & try & bring them out & ensure they have a good time. She explains the misconceptions her world suffers, they are not prostitutes & they entertain women & men alike holding Ozashiki or banquets. Men aren't allowed in their houses & it is a strict society where reputation is everything.
I found it wonderfully enchanting & couldn't put it down before the end, a really wonderful book.