I found it a fascinating insight into their culture - I knew very little about the Geisha before reading this. I don't usually read autobiographies and memoirs because they are often just a lot of anecdotes strung together. This book however flowed quite well and I read it in great chunks without getting bored.

I thought the nature of human relationships was very well explored even though set in a society very different from ours.

I thought the ending was rushed. I would have liked more detail about her relationship with The Chairman and her son and to read more about her life in New York - a geisha in a society we understand. I wouldn't have minded the book being another 100 pages if that had been covered in detail.

I still found it very entertaining and have given it a maximum score.

Absolutely brilliant and touching. Honestly thought I wouldn't like it, but loved it. Was so absorbed in it, I read 100 pages in one sitting which isn't like me at all!

Definitely an eye-opening story. I had no idea about the role of the traditional geisha in Japan. I was familiar with pics of them, but had no idea of how committed a woman had to be to become and live the life of a geisha. I admit I was very ignorant of the subject and am amazed at the role women played. (Reminds me of how some western women are kept as mistresses by rich married men; given expensive gifts, accommodation paid for etc).

Loved the lyrical prose and the metaphors used to (wisely) describe aspects of life. Very beautifully written. Loved the descriptions of the beautiful kimono and the dressing rituals, especially Sayuri's first trip to the hairdresser. I love books that open worlds to different cultures.

I suppose an aspect of the story is about how Sayuri took control of her future, changing the course of her destiny (life with the Chairman or Nobu); rather than accepting her lot (life with Nobu).

Thought it daring of an American male writer to write a story from the perspective of a geisha. Shows confidence of Golden's writing and hats off to him. An amazing story. So glad I read it.

Looking forward to watching the film. I don't care if it's crap as wouldn't expect it to be as good as the book. I just want to look at the gorgeous kimono and lush scenery (cherry trees in bloom). I wonder if tension between Sayuri and the Chairman compares with that between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy!

Thanks to the person who nominated this book. It'd been on my tbr pile for ages and thought it wouldn't be my kind of book even though it'd been recommended to me by several people. I've already recommended it to friends and family

I didn't think the ending was happy ever after either. I was relieved the Chairman finally revealed his feelings for Sayuri, but was disappointed she didn't become his wife. Imagine being the Chairman's wife though, knowing he has a mistress, and it being acceptable in society.

I know the story highlights differences between what's acceptable in western and eastern cultures, but did draw comparisons between the two whilst reading the book. E.g., rich men in British history, and no doubt present day, whose wives had to accept their husbands had several mistresses. I used to organise & attend corporate events for a place I once worked. It was a very male industry and the clients we entertained wouldn't think anything of trying it on with me and my female colleagues. We had to humour them and fetch them drinks. Most of the men were married or had partners and wealthy, yet wouldn't think anything of discussing how 'fit' you were in front of you and your colleagues. It all got a bit crude and I hated the way that behind the directors' backs, I was subjected to comments from people who should know better. If I tried to make a stand, it was dismissed as harmless fun. This superficial side to my job really got me down and I'm not sorry I left!! I know of someone who is kept by her married boss. He bought her a city living apartment, car, designer clothes and so on. Bizarre. I wouldn't choose that life.

So reading how geisha were treated by men often reminded me of things I'd seen and heard of here. However Sayuri is different because she was sold as a child slave; she wouldn't have considered being a geisha had her mother lived. I couldn't begin to imagine what being a geisha must've been like for someone like Sayuri with no other choice but to become a successful geisha. She did what she could to adapt to her new life and make a success of her lot. A story of survival. I didn't think being the Chairman's mistress was happy ever after and didn't offer her a real sense of security.

I wasn't altogether keen on Nobu. He was so angry. Had he secured Sayuri as his mistress, I wonder if he'd unleashed more of his anger on her. However he did seem to have respect for women.

I didn't think the book was too long as I sped through it. It didn't drag either.