honniker's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This is a fascinating look at Geisha history and life. It is a little dated as it talks about that life in the mid 70s, it would be neat to read something a little more up to date. The author does a great job of mixing experiences in with facts and the chapters are broken down into shorter, readable sections. I think it is hard for Americans to really understand the 'flower and willow' world as it is something so foreign to us, but Dalby does a good job of at least trying to give us an idea of it. I highly recommend this one.
dohertys17's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Spoiler
Likes:
- Really got into a morning routine with this one and I enjoyed this aspect of things a lot. (Waking up every morning and reading one chapter out of the book)
- I really enjoyed the parts of the book that were focused on Japanese history and culture (i.e. part one, the part about kimono and the differences between the kimono of geisha and modern Japanese women, comparisons to bar hostess, etc.)
- I learned a lot of new things that I previously would not have known about (i.e. Portugal's relation to Japan, how the geisha has changed over the years).
- Felt that from this explanation of modern and historical geisha are women who are quite free and empowered. While this may no longer be as true as Japan has further modernized, I am curious to learn more about Japanese societal expectations and geisha as it pertains to the 21st century.
- Reading this has made me more curious about geisha and has also made me more eager to read history books in general.
- would love to compare this account to one written by a Japanese author or "expert".
Dislikes:
- In general, I enjoyed the more personal, memoir-y parts of the book far less and felt that there was less for me to gain from reading these.
- While I now have a much better understanding of geisha and their role in society, I still have a hard time making sense of some things (i.e. how a Japanese wife would not be concerned if her husband frequented geisha parties, the relaxed sexual expectations, etc.). I don't think that this is necessarily a fault of the author's, but instead is more likely due to their not being a direct comparison in North American culture and me not being familiar with Japanese culture.
dokudanjou's review
4.0
Really more along the lines of a 3.5--it was interesting, but awkwardly written, with the focus on the personal occasionally getting in the way of the academic discussion. It was also hard to move past the small yet pervasive reminders that Dalby is a little too full of herself, most clearly seen in her rather callous treatment of others who either choose to do things differently or who simply, through no fault of their own, fall outside the sphere of her immediate personal concern.
kelseymckim's review
4.0
Like most other readers (I'm guessing), I'd read Memoirs of a Geisha before I ever heard of this book. I actually stumbled upon this in a used bookstore--there was a 2 for 1 sale, I figured that this looked interesting, and it came home with me as my free book. :)
I think this is best to read after Memoirs of a Geisha because then potential mismatches of culture in the fictional account won't bother you so much, but you will be intrigued to learn more.
Dalby does a great job of blending Japanese culture, personal experience, and interviews into a compelling portrait of a very intriguing class of Japanese women. It's hard to come away from the book with the same mindset you entered it with (from either a Japanese or Western perspective, if Dalby's explanation of the geisha as a somewhat mysterious phenomenon in Japan itself is true).
Clear, readable, and interesting nonfiction. :)
I think this is best to read after Memoirs of a Geisha because then potential mismatches of culture in the fictional account won't bother you so much, but you will be intrigued to learn more.
Dalby does a great job of blending Japanese culture, personal experience, and interviews into a compelling portrait of a very intriguing class of Japanese women. It's hard to come away from the book with the same mindset you entered it with (from either a Japanese or Western perspective, if Dalby's explanation of the geisha as a somewhat mysterious phenomenon in Japan itself is true).
Clear, readable, and interesting nonfiction. :)