Not a fictional story; this is Iwasaki's autobiography.

 

The most successful geiko of her generation and the only one to ever speak out about her experiences in the 300-year history of the geisha. She left the profession at the age of 30, when she was at the peak of her career, because she found it 'too constricting to continue.'

 

Iwasaki's autobiography unviels the mystery of the geisha and everything surrounding it. She goes into great detail about the rules, etiquette and hierarchey of the okiya (lodging house or geisha house) and explains - and sometimes dismisses - the rumours surrounding the lifestyle.

 

I'm only about a third of the way through this book, but from the first page I was hooked. Iwasaki's life was interesting from the time she was an infant, before that, even. She explains her family tree, which includes aristocrats and pirates, and tells of how she feels she betrayed her parents to be adopted by the Iwasaki 'family', who wanted her to be the atotori, or heir, to the okiya of Gion Kobu.

 

 

I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in the traditional culture of Japan.

And when I've finished, I'll let you know what I thought of the whole book!

It sounds like a really interesting book. I like reading historical novels every once in a while (to counteract the huge volume of fantasy and science fiction I tend to read), and since I happen to be fascinated by Japanese history and culture...this seems like it would be the perfect read. As soon as I get my hands on it and read it, I´ll be sure to comment what I thought about it.

Interesting, I'll look for it next time I go to the book store. I really like novels of that genre.

That sounds very interesting. I love to read about the lives of real people.

I think I've heard of that book, sounds quite good. I'll have to add it to my list of books I need to read.

thanks for the tips! i think i will check it out too :) can't remember last time i read a book, it's about time :)

Oh! I totally forgot about this thread!

 

I finished the book! And I found it really inspiring - I love how strong-willed a woman she was from the very beginning until the very end. I won't give anything away for you, but I can assure you all it's definately worth a read. The photographs included of her with all the people involved in her life are really wonderful to look at too.