Memoirs of a Geisha Book Summary

Memoirs of a Geisha – Journey of Popularity 

Abridged Summary:

Highlighting the lifestyle of Japanese entertainers Geisha, Arthur Golden wrote “Memoirs of Geisha” in 1997. It is a fabulously penned fiction novel unbridling the showbiz lifestyle of Geisha in Japan. However, this remarkable novel talks about Nitta Sayuri (Sakamoto Chiyo). She is a smart and famous Geisha in Japan’s Gion district. She was sold by her father to work in the entertainment districts of Kyoto. Indeed, the novel talks about the journey of becoming a Geisha, her popularity, and settling with Danna after retirement. 

Analysis of Geisha’s Journey:

Taking Note of the Characters:

The remarkable fiction “Memoirs of Geisha” unveils the life of Sakamoto Chiyo, who is destined to land as a popular Geisha. At the age of nine, she is sold by her father to train in the entertainment areas of Kyoto. However, Chiyo is taken to the Nitta Okiya (Geisha Boarding House). There, she meets Mother (Head of the Boarding House), Auntie, and Granny. Besides this, Chiyo meets another famous Geisha (Hatsumomo) and Pumpkin (Maid at Nitta). Along with this, Chiyo meets another maid of the Okiya named Mameha who persuades Mother to reinvest in Chiyo’s training for Geisha. After becoming an apprentice Geisha with a stage name Sayuri, Chiyo meets Chairman Iwamura and his business partner Nobu. 

Selling of Chiyo:

Some moments can be etched in the heart as dark memories and the selling of Chiyo by her father was one such incident. She was just a nine-year-old kid at that time and unaware of worldly harshness. After being sold, Chiyo was taken from her village to Kyoto by train. The buyer took her to Nitta (Geisha Boarding House) where she met Mother, Auntie, and Granny. In fact, Mother was the head of the Geisha Boarding House and used to train Geisha to please guests with their singing and other acts. From here, Chiyo’s journey to become a professional Geisha started. 

Chiyo’s Life at Nitta Okiya:

While training at Nitta Okiya, Chiyo is tormented by Hatsumomo because she dislikes her. As Hatsumomo was the prime earner of Okiya, he had a good command over others. She was jealous of Chiyo for becoming her competitor and considered her a threat to her popularity in the town. Later on, Chiyo attempted to run away and failed. Seeing this, the Mother was furious and refused to invest in Chiyo’s training for Geisha, and she remained as the maid in Okiya for some time. At the request of Mameha (another maid in Okiya), the Mother reinvested in Chiyo’s training. This led to an increase in the popularity of Chiyo as Sayuri. 

Life After Popularity:

The increasing popularity of Chiyo angered Hatsumomo who tried to hurt her reputation by defaming Chiyo. Later on, Mameha organizes an orchestration for Chiyo and earns well. The earned money is used by Chiyo to pay off her debts and get free. Apart from this, Hatsumomo started to experience a downfall. On the other hand, Mameha worked to become the heiress after Hatsumomo instead of Pumpkin. Such an act developed rivalry between Mameha and Pumpkin. After some time, Chiyo is called by the Chairman to meet at a teahouse. Here, she confesses her willingness to be with him for the rest of her life. In response to this, the Chairman confesses his fondness for her. Finally, Sayuri or Chiyo retires from the post of Geisha as Chairman and becomes her Danna for life. Danna is the rich man, who used to bear the expenses of Geisha throughout life and she stays with him happily.