I picked up this book with no thought other than that a lot of people had told me to read it. I did not even know what the book was about and the summary at the back was not very helpful. Even though it gave a gist of the story, there was no explanation of the word geisha as though it was understood.

The author’s note talks about how this is based on a real life story of a geisha as told to the author after she moved to USA. The entire story was narrated to the author. The story has been written taking some creative liberty making this book a work of fiction. In spite of reading this I still had no idea who a geisha was. Then I began reading the book, and every page I turned drew me further and further into the book until I couldn’t put it down. This is a work of fiction set in Japan around the time before, during and after World War II.

This is a story of how a girl taken away from her dying mother survives in a completely new place, the trials, betrayal and cruelty she faces and the strength she finds in herself and others to overcome these. A geisha for those who like me do not know is someone who entertains men at parties, gatherings or even at tea houses, pouring their tea or drinks, making conversation and entertaining with music and/or dance. There is more to a geisha than we can understand, the beauty, poise, attitude, everything lends itself to making her who she is as she flits from one engagement to another dressed in a kimono. This is a heartwarming tale of intrigue, love, sacrifice that keeps the reader enthralled while touching upon some history as well. It is a wonderful read and I urge everyone to read this book at some point of time.

– Dark Warrior