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Cover of Memoirs of a Geisha

Historical · Literary

Memoirs of a Geisha

by Arthur Golden

4.0 out of 5, from 1,140 ratings from Hardcover readers

A poor fisherman's daughter is sold to a geisha house in Kyoto in the 1930s. She trains in the arts and politics of the flower and willow world, hoping for the favour of one man.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1997
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
435
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you like lush, detailed historical fiction with a first-person voice and a slow, longing love story.

Skip this if you want an authentically Japanese viewpoint; it is a Western author's imagined account, which some readers and a legal case challenged.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Abuse
  • Sexual content
  • War

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Adult/minor relationship
  • Body shaming
  • Bullying
  • Child abuse
  • Death
  • Emotional abuse
  • Fatphobia
  • Infidelity
  • Mental illness
  • Abandonment

Quick answers about Memoirs of a Geisha

What is Memoirs of a Geisha about?
A poor fisherman's daughter is sold to a geisha house in Kyoto in the 1930s. She trains in the arts and politics of the flower and willow world, hoping for the favour of one man.
Who should read Memoirs of a Geisha?
Read it if you like lush, detailed historical fiction with a first-person voice and a slow, longing love story. Skip it if you want an authentically Japanese viewpoint; it is a Western author's imagined account, which some readers and a legal case challenged.
How long and how fast is Memoirs of a Geisha?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 435 pages, first published in 1997.
Does Memoirs of a Geisha have content warnings?
Content we flag: Abuse, Sexual content, War.
Can I borrow Memoirs of a Geisha for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Memoirs of a Geisha; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Memoirs of a Geisha?
Readers who liked it often move on to Pachinko, The Joy Luck Club, Girl with a Pearl Earring.

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