When I began reading this book, I knew it was destined to be propelled into the list of my favorite reads.

Arthur Golden does an incredible job in writing from the perspective of a developing geisha during the early 1900's. His first person perspective is riveting - with the telling moving, exciting, heartrending and uplifting all at varying times throughout the novel (sometimes in tandem), creating a read which is gripping and gentle at the same time, yet not conflicting.

Supporting characters are well realized and add to the narrative as opposed to taking from it. I found the world building Golden did made the Japan of the time feel incredibly real to me as a reader. Events the geisha attend add variation outside of the okiya, meaning what happens behind closed doors seems like a behind the scenes look at a life constantly lived in the public view.

Chiyo / Sayuri is a heroine of her time and place. She isn't about to spearhead a feminist revolution, she isn't even all that independent in the context of the novel, but she is strong and inspirational, whilst constantly being downtrodden and having happiness which is inches away cruelly ripped from her grasp.

A beautiful read, highly recommended.