What book would you love to be able to read again for the first time? I would have to pick, Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. It has been a long time since I read this book. I still remember the story very vividly, even though I read it back in 2005. I defiantly would recommend it to anyone interested in Japanese History.
Amazon.com Review "According to Arthur Golden's absorbing first novel, the word "geisha" does not mean "prostitute," as Westerners ignorantly assume--it means "artisan" or "artist." To capture the geisha experience in the art of fiction, Golden trained as long and hard as any geisha who must master the arts of music, dance, clever conversation, crafty battle with rival beauties, and cunning seduction of wealthy patrons. After earning degrees in Japanese art and history from Harvard and Columbia--and an M.A. in English--he met a man in Tokyo who was the illegitimate offspring of a renowned businessman and a geisha. This meeting inspired Golden to spend 10 years researching every detail of geisha culture, chiefly relying on the geisha Mineko Iwasaki, who spent years charming the very rich and famous."
"Katherine" by Anya Seton, or perhaps "The Winthrop Woman" by the same author. Most powerful writer I have come across yet
ReplyDeleteI still haven't read this book though I have a copy of it. Been on my TBR pile for the longest time! I only managed to read a chapter, I believe, and then got distracted by other things :/
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!
ReplyDeleteHi, all! I'm Donna Woolfolk Cross, the author of "Pope Joan". Just wanted to let anyone who might be thinking of reading my novel for the second time that a brand-new edition is due to hit the bookstores on June 9th. This is NOT a simple re-release; it's a revised edition with corrections and additions, an updated Author's Note with a lot of new material (including support for Joan's actual historical existence), and a list of "Best of the Best" reading group questions, based on my many years of chatting by speakerphone with reading groups.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't read my novel, then you might be interested in the drawing for the free giveaway of the previous edition, which I see is posted on your sidebar (it's from passagestothepast.com).
For more information about my novel, or the upcoming movie based on it (it's finished filming at last!), go to www.popejoan.com.
Just for the record: I, too, would re-read "Memoirs of a Geisha". I LOVED that book and still wonder why the movie based on it didn't do well.
Happy reading, sister lovers of historical fiction!
I swear donna did you read my mind or what I almost bought pope joan last night on amazon, I will wait for the new one, thanks! I will do a post on it asap!
ReplyDeleteLoved Memoirs of a Geisha - makes me thankful to live in a freer, more modern time. The discipline of this culture is amazing. Just the fact that they are able to hold their tongues and be respectful, obedient, or simply quiet. I'd never make it. I'm always saying things I shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteI completely know what you are saying, I say things I should not all the time. I can be very fiery at times especially with my brothers and sisters and can not help myself sometimes.
ReplyDelete