This is not a novel I would normally think of to pick up and read. If it hadn’t have been for our Diary theme I would have missed this wonderful book.
Memoirs tells the story of young Chiyo who is sold by her father to an Okiya where it is hoped she will become a Geisha. Her plans, however, are interrupted by the Okiya’s popular Geisha Hutsumomo. From the start she is aware that Chiyo would outshine her should she succeed.
Hatsumomo has to be one of the best antagonists, she is so evil you almost admire her.
Memoirs is also a love story. When Chiyo is shown kindness by “The Chairman”, she vows that whatever path she takes, it must lead her back to him.
I loved the descriptions of Chiyo’s training, the hard life of a Geisha and the beautiful kimono that they get to wear. The imagery that this book supplies is simply stunning.
Put this on the top of your ‘must read’ list!
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