Autobiography of a Geisha
by Sayo Masuda, G.G. Rowley | Biographies & Memoirs |
ISBN: 0099462044 Global Overview for this book
ISBN: 0099462044 Global Overview for this book
14 journalers for this copy...
Not just a story of being a geisha, but also about surviving incredible poverty by any means necessary. Very different to the other Geisha books I've read.
I'm going to use this to continue GlasgowGal's ring that got lost in the post on the way to me.
Participants:
Gizmopuddy (ie, international)
drusillamac (uk, international)
marriedfairy (us, international)
rebel-padawan (us, international)
cinnycat (us, prefer us)
PRCS (ca, ca/us only)
booklady331 (us)
k00kaburra (us, prefer us/ca)
Rrrcaron (us, international)
mrsordonez (us, prefer us, prefer near end)
azuki (us, international)
SherlockFan (nz, international)
ababaigalit (is, international)
stormlilly (uk)
Sirah (fi, prefer Europe) <--
I'm going to use this to continue GlasgowGal's ring that got lost in the post on the way to me.
Participants:
Gizmopuddy (ie, international)
drusillamac (uk, international)
marriedfairy (us, international)
rebel-padawan (us, international)
cinnycat (us, prefer us)
PRCS (ca, ca/us only)
booklady331 (us)
k00kaburra (us, prefer us/ca)
Rrrcaron (us, international)
mrsordonez (us, prefer us, prefer near end)
azuki (us, international)
SherlockFan (nz, international)
ababaigalit (is, international)
stormlilly (uk)
Sirah (fi, prefer Europe) <--
Received from Nut, an age ago. Sincere apologies in the length it has taken me to journal it. Looking forward to reading it. Next on Mt. TBR.
Enjoyed this book, as it is factual, it definitely protrays a different view of life as as geisha, than Golden's, Memoirs of a Geisha. There is a desperate sense of lonliness and lack of support throughout the book. While her decisions were not always right, she had received no nuturing to guide her toward making the right decisions. The depth of loyalty between a brother and sister who had never known each other was very touching.
I did not like all the footnotes, and found it quite distracting to have to flick forwards and backwards in the book, and eventually stopped doing it.
I did not like all the footnotes, and found it quite distracting to have to flick forwards and backwards in the book, and eventually stopped doing it.
Journal Entry 4 by Gizmopuddy at UK Unconvention 2006 in Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Friday, June 30, 2006
Released 17 yrs ago (7/1/2006 UTC) at UK Unconvention 2006 in Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Passing on to Drusillamac at the Unconvention
Passing on to Drusillamac at the Unconvention
Thanks to Gizmopuddy for passing this onto me at the Unconvention. I have a few rings in front of this so I shall get to this when I can :-)
First of all, apologies for taking so long to read this book. I am ashamed it slipped down to the bottom of Imediate Mount TBR i.e. the pile on my beside table.
However, I sat down to read it this week and really enjoyed the book. I feel that becoming a geisha was a backdrop to Masuda's life. As Gizmopuddy comments, it's a different life portrayed in 'Memiors of a Geisha'. However, that was a work of fiction and no-one wants to find out the gritty truth at times ;-)
Masuda's closing comments are rather interesting. The section when she meets the unwanted child reveal a lot about her own feelings on life. Only in her 30s does Masuda feel that she truly belongs anywhere. And I just ignored the footnotes ;-)
Thanks again to nut and Gizmopuddy for sharing. I shall get this moving once I get an address from marriedfairy.
However, I sat down to read it this week and really enjoyed the book. I feel that becoming a geisha was a backdrop to Masuda's life. As Gizmopuddy comments, it's a different life portrayed in 'Memiors of a Geisha'. However, that was a work of fiction and no-one wants to find out the gritty truth at times ;-)
Masuda's closing comments are rather interesting. The section when she meets the unwanted child reveal a lot about her own feelings on life. Only in her 30s does Masuda feel that she truly belongs anywhere. And I just ignored the footnotes ;-)
Thanks again to nut and Gizmopuddy for sharing. I shall get this moving once I get an address from marriedfairy.
Apologies for taking so long to get this book moving. My personal life and university have been rather hectic. This book should be posted off to marriedfairy in the next couple of days. Due to lack of funds this book will probably be going surface mail.
I got the book today. Thank you so much for including me in this ring. I just finished a book so I will start on this one tonight. Nut can you go ahead and send me your addy, as it will not take me long to read this book. Thanks again :)
I am done. Sorry it took so long. It ws a great book, thank you for including me. I am sending rebel-padawan an im to get an addy. Thanks again. Laura
Received this in the mail, of course I have to have caught two other bookrings before this one! Does that happen to anyone else, or just me? LOL
I will try my darndest to get this moving as soon as humanly possible. Looking forward to reading this one.
Thanks to marriedfairy for sending it on to me!
Will PM Cinnycat for addy, hoping my PM's will go through.
I will try my darndest to get this moving as soon as humanly possible. Looking forward to reading this one.
Thanks to marriedfairy for sending it on to me!
Will PM Cinnycat for addy, hoping my PM's will go through.
I finally finished this one. It counts at #27 in my total for the year. I enjoyed it immensely, even though I was constantly flipping front to back to read the foot notes.
It was almost tragic and definately showed a world of difference from Golden's Memiors, which focased more on the myth of the Geisha, and after reading this, was painfully obvious that it was written from an outsiders perspective.
I have Cinnycats address and will mail on to her this week.
It was almost tragic and definately showed a world of difference from Golden's Memiors, which focased more on the myth of the Geisha, and after reading this, was painfully obvious that it was written from an outsiders perspective.
I have Cinnycats address and will mail on to her this week.
Journal Entry 12 by rebel-padawan at mailing to a fellow bookcrosser in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, April 5, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (4/5/2007 UTC) at mailing to a fellow bookcrosser in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sent on it's way today!
Sent on it's way today!
Journal Entry 13 by BookBirds from Somewhere in the USA, -- Wild Released somewhere in USA -- USA on Tuesday, April 17, 2007
I got this about a week ago and I have already read it. This is such a heartbreaking story about one woman's life. MUCH less glamorous than Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha. The ending is well worth reading it though! Will be sending on it's way soon. thanks for passing it along!
Journal Entry 14 by BookBirds at Controlled releases in Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Monday, April 30, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (4/30/2007 UTC) at Controlled releases in Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to k00kaburra (booklady331 asked to be skipped).
Sent to k00kaburra (booklady331 asked to be skipped).
Got the book today :) I look forward to reading it.
Sayo Masuda's work is amazing. I would not expect someone who has suffered such a life to be able to take a pen and eloquently describe her memories. True, she had an editor to work with, but I still would not believe how little education she had when I read her autobiography.
I really enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, but as been pointed out his view is clearly one of an outsider. Masuda's world has less glamour, less mystique - and no happy ending with the man she loves. Rather, she lives on and survives, but she's disconnected and lacks a sense of purpose for years. I find myself very curious about the rest of her life, as the autobiography ends in her thirties - but she's made it very clear that she doesn't wish to talk to reporters now, so I suppose until she dies I'll never know.
I really enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, but as been pointed out his view is clearly one of an outsider. Masuda's world has less glamour, less mystique - and no happy ending with the man she loves. Rather, she lives on and survives, but she's disconnected and lacks a sense of purpose for years. I find myself very curious about the rest of her life, as the autobiography ends in her thirties - but she's made it very clear that she doesn't wish to talk to reporters now, so I suppose until she dies I'll never know.
Journal Entry 17 by k00kaburra at Postal Release in Post office, A book trading site -- Controlled Releases on Friday, June 1, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (6/1/2007 UTC) at Postal Release in Post office, A book trading site -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
mailed to mrsordonez to continue the book ring :)
mailed to mrsordonez to continue the book ring :)
Ok, I haven't been able to put this book down long enough to journal it until now. I am almost done, so will be getting the next reader's address. In the meantime, I wanted to mention that I am starting a ring for Geisha by Liza Dalby. PM for that if interested in joining!
Sent about a week ago to the next reader. No time to journal, will have to catch up on that later.
Wow I am so glad this book has finally arrived in my hands. This is one book I am really looking forward to. Thank you so much to everybody who passed it along.
I have a few rings ahead but am working hard to catch up.
I have a few rings ahead but am working hard to catch up.
This book is definitely more realistic, less glamorous than the fairytale everybody has been comparing it. However, I do like the latter for all the detailed descriptions that are of interest to us outsiders, so that I do not feel at all disappointed at the relative lack of details in this book.
I couldn't help thinking that while in reality, her life as a geisha was a short period of her life, it has such a huge effect on her whole life - her outlook, her inability to accept a marriage proposal, and so forth.
ETA: I have heard back from SherlockFan and the book was mailed 8/20 by airmail. She is traveling now so she may not be journaling it immediately.
I couldn't help thinking that while in reality, her life as a geisha was a short period of her life, it has such a huge effect on her whole life - her outlook, her inability to accept a marriage proposal, and so forth.
ETA: I have heard back from SherlockFan and the book was mailed 8/20 by airmail. She is traveling now so she may not be journaling it immediately.
Journal Entry 22 by Sherlockfan from Upper Hutt, Wellington Province New Zealand on Sunday, September 9, 2007
Can't believe now that I didn't journal my receipt of this book. There were five books waiting my return from our trip and I thought I'd made notes for each one but obviously missed this. Sorry.
I've now finished reading what proved to be a fascinating moving story and thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to have this insight into such a tragic story. Great that Sayo was able to convey her feelings and thoughts in such a coherent fashion despite her lack of formal education. One can certainly understand her wish to keep herself private nowadays. Glad that I chose this instead of the fictional Memoirs.
I've pmed ababaigalit for her address and will move the book as just as soon as I hear from her.
I've now finished reading what proved to be a fascinating moving story and thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to have this insight into such a tragic story. Great that Sayo was able to convey her feelings and thoughts in such a coherent fashion despite her lack of formal education. One can certainly understand her wish to keep herself private nowadays. Glad that I chose this instead of the fictional Memoirs.
I've pmed ababaigalit for her address and will move the book as just as soon as I hear from her.
Journal Entry 23 by Sherlockfan from Upper Hutt, Wellington Province New Zealand on Wednesday, September 12, 2007
RELEASE NOTE
I now have Ababaigalit's address and will post a.s.a.p, probably tomorrow.
Well I was sitting and surfing on the net when I heard the postwoman putting our mail in the mail box. Went opened the mail box and saw the book that has travelled the world. Thanks nut for allowing me to take part in this bookring. Thanks sherlockfan for sending the book. I will start the book right away as I finished two books yesterday.
Enjoy your reading
ababaigalit
04.10.07:
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A very good book.
I thought Masuda did a great job describing her life the many joys, losses, hardships, etc. A heartbreaking story of a Japanese low class Geisha.Her trials and trepidations,the cruelty that was imposed to her,makes this book sad and at the same time interesting.Most people only think of the Kyoto or Shimbashi Geisha, but this opens a person's eyes to the country geisha as well.
As for the footnotes I know it is distracting, but the weight of the book was light and it didn't bother me. I have a solution when the footnotes are at the back of the book, I photocopy the footnotes and have the copy as a bookmark.
I have stormliliy's address and I will send it as soon as possible.
Have a reading day
ababaigalit.
Enjoy your reading
ababaigalit
04.10.07:
---------
A very good book.
I thought Masuda did a great job describing her life the many joys, losses, hardships, etc. A heartbreaking story of a Japanese low class Geisha.Her trials and trepidations,the cruelty that was imposed to her,makes this book sad and at the same time interesting.Most people only think of the Kyoto or Shimbashi Geisha, but this opens a person's eyes to the country geisha as well.
As for the footnotes I know it is distracting, but the weight of the book was light and it didn't bother me. I have a solution when the footnotes are at the back of the book, I photocopy the footnotes and have the copy as a bookmark.
I have stormliliy's address and I will send it as soon as possible.
Have a reading day
ababaigalit.
Journal Entry 25 by stormlilly from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, March 6, 2008
Thanks for sending me this book. I feel so bad that it has taken me this long to read it and journal it. It was a really interesting book- after reading Memoirs of a Geisha that was written describing the life of a high class geisha, who had a successful life. This was the story of a lower class geisha who had a lot of bad luck...it was told in her own words and although I missed some of the descriptions etc from Memoirs, a warmth of humanity and caring for others shone through from this book. It excelled in showing us how strongly humans can care for each other even when they have nothing themselves.
It also provided some social commentary on the poverty of the poor in this period in Japan and the comparatively 'rich' life of the geisha.
It also provided some social commentary on the poverty of the poor in this period in Japan and the comparatively 'rich' life of the geisha.
Journal Entry 26 by stormlilly from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, March 13, 2008
ent to the next on the list...
Oops, forgot to journal earlier...
What I liked best in this book was the descriptions of human nature. I would have loved to read more about Sayos life as a geisha but in this autobiography that was just a short part of her life. Despite of her horrid childhood and loss of her little brother, the only relative she ever had chance to get to know properly and love she never lost her strenght and ability of surviving in those after-war living conditions. She was a very strong woman!
I´ve read Arthur Golden´s Memoirs of a Geisha, which I found very fascinating and just about to start Liza Dalby´s Geisha.
EDIT: Since I´m the last person in this ring I´ll ask Colanne whether she/he would like to get the book back. Otherwise I´ll ask my fellow bookcrossers here in Helsinki whether they would like to read the book.
What I liked best in this book was the descriptions of human nature. I would have loved to read more about Sayos life as a geisha but in this autobiography that was just a short part of her life. Despite of her horrid childhood and loss of her little brother, the only relative she ever had chance to get to know properly and love she never lost her strenght and ability of surviving in those after-war living conditions. She was a very strong woman!
I´ve read Arthur Golden´s Memoirs of a Geisha, which I found very fascinating and just about to start Liza Dalby´s Geisha.
EDIT: Since I´m the last person in this ring I´ll ask Colanne whether she/he would like to get the book back. Otherwise I´ll ask my fellow bookcrossers here in Helsinki whether they would like to read the book.
Journal Entry 28 by Sirah at -- Somewhere in Helsinki / Jossain päin kaupunkia in Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (6/7/2008 UTC) at -- Somewhere in Helsinki / Jossain päin kaupunkia in Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
The book will be released during our Summer Convention in Suomenlinna Fortress.
Kesäpäivillä kirjan saa...
The book will be released during our Summer Convention in Suomenlinna Fortress.
Kesäpäivillä kirjan saa...
I got book today. Maybe I have wished to get this, can't remember. I'm not sure how soon I'll have time to read this.
I have not read book so I have decided let it travel. I offered book at bookmooch.com and got a new reader there. I have sent book to Poland and hope that receiver journals book.
