Author: Mineko Iwasaki (with Rande Brown)
No. of Pages: 334
Year of Publication: 2002
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
About the Book:
Geisha of Gion is an autobiography of “Japan’s foremost Geisha” as is described on the cover of the book. I am somewhat ashamed to admit, I had never heard of her before I read the book.
An autobiographical account, the book describes the life and work of Mineko Iwasaki. The book revolves around her becoming and living as a geisha. The genius of the work rests in the detailing. Iwasaki, I am sure with a lot of help from Brown, has painstakingly described almost everything. The descriptions of geisha clothes, make up and hairstyle appear as a work of art. Each kimono comes to life with her description.
While her professional life has been prominent, and she comes across as a perfectionist, she seems to give equal importance to relationships. True to her profession, she has a fascination for learning the arts . Iwasaki comes across as an inspirational figure who has overcome many obstacles at a young age.
However, the book ends with her giving up the life of a geisha. There is fleeting reference throughout the book to her own feelings and any emotions that she may have experienced. This may be deliberate since the attempt seems to be to describe the very intricate and complex geisha world.
In her own way, she was struggling with finding a more prominent place for a geisha in Japanese society. With all her learning though, it appears as though the world she lived in was insular to the strong feminist movements in the rest of the world. Her attempts at liberation seem somewhat misplaced as she accepts the ornamental position of a geisha unquestioningly, and somewhat celebrates it as a Japanese culture.
The book ends on a somewhat sad note and you are left wondering about the dying craftsmanship of kimono makers in Japan.
Final Analysis:
I would recommend reading if you like reading autobiographies.
Favourite Quote:
“The samurai betrays no weakness, even when starving. Pride above all.” (p. 295)