A review by mooon
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

A mean-spirited book that tends to gloss over character relationships in favor of business-like descriptions of motivations and actions. The main character has a tendency to point out contradictions of Meiji Japan from a non-historical, fetishistic PoV; her cunning ends up being bitter observation. Scenes of sexual assault and acts linger uncomfortably. Shies away from any observations of colonial Japan or the post-WWII occupation of Japan.
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