Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

Ok I've read this book, um let's see about a million times?  LOL ok maybe not that many but I have read it more than 5 times and this latest still reminded me how much I love this book.

Chiyo and her sister are plucked from their little fishing village and taken to the city (Kyoto).  Separated there, Chiyo finds herself in a geisha house.  With her startling grey eyes it is deemed she would make a fine geisha.  Thus sets her on the path that will be full of sorrow, learning, rivals and beauty.

I love this book.  Despite what people say, Arthur sucks you into the world of becoming a geisha.  While not all of it is based on truth there is still some that is and the harsh beauty of a world of these women.  He creates a unique perspective and if you aren't a history buff, read this book with an open mind and lose yourself in the world he creates you will enjoy it.

I loved the movie as well (same title).  First time I think I can say that about a book turned into a movie.  There certainly are things that are left out that makes reading the book over again worth it, but the movie is so worth it too.

I would (and do!) recommend this book.

Empress, A Novel - Shan Sa

Once again one in my collection.

I came to the realization that I don't believe I have actually read this one.  It's been sitting on my shelf for a long time.

One of China's most controversial figures in history - its first and only female emperor, Empress Wu - Shan Sa tells the story completely through Empress Wu's eyes - right from her time in the womb to after her death as a "ghost". 

I started to understand why I hadn't read this one.  While Shan Sa wrote about the period very well, especially things that were recorded as historical events, I feel that she went into TOO much detail.  She could have referenced the incest within the royal family without having to go into detail about the feelings it evoked.  I found it disturbing to the point that I skipped over huge sections.  Yes I understand that these things happened in the past and yes I understand that I will see references to it, but I don't need to hear details.  Ewww.  As for the rest of the intrigue, descriptions and so on, it was alright. 

Maybe it's because the Japanese courts fascinate me more and I am being biased but I found the Chinese courts to be...poor imitations of those that Japanese feudal era.  That being said I didn't enjoy this book and would not recommend it.

The Last Concubine by Lesley Downer

This is one from my collection of books.  I went through an Asian book phase and bought all of them I could.  I recently picked this one up again to read.

Chronicling 19th Century Japan, as told through the eyes of Sachi.   Plucked from her mountain village and traveling to the women's complex in Edo, the story spans decades.  The fall of the Shogun, political intrigue and what happens when three thousand woman suddenly have to vacate the palaces.

I enjoyed this book again for a number of reasons.  Lesley does her research.  Although not everything in this book is based on truth, I would say that about 85% of it is true.  Lesley's fascination with Japan mirrors my own, but she has been able to pursue it in ways that I never can.  I think that is why I enjoy reading her works so much.  She really captures the essence of feudal Japanese women (or at least how I think they should behave) and goes into a lot of historical details.  This book once again has fueled my obsession.

Be prepared for an onslaught of Asian books!

Winter - Marissa Meyer (Book 4 in the Lunar Chronicles Series)

Ah the final book in the series.  If you made it this far well then your in for a treat.

Just as with all of Marrisa Meyer's books in the Lunar Chronicles (with the exception of Cress), she seamlessly blends her writing style, fairy tales and a futuristic story into something magical.

In the final book of the series, we find out more about Winter herself, her love for her guard and only friend, Jacin, the madness that is consuming her and why and at last we see the climax of the battle between Levana and Cinder. 

There was more here than I anticipated and upon completion realized that Marissa had put hints of this writing into Scarlet.  She goes into great detail the plans for the demise of Levana, the history of Lunar and describes the Lunar people and segregations so well that I felt I was there, coughing and fighting beside Cinder.

I really enjoyed this book and in fact this whole series.  A keeper on my bookshelf to read again in the future.