Books Like...
'Memoirs of a Geisha' by Arthur Golden is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows the life of Sayuri, a young girl who is sold into the world of geishas in pre-WWII Japan. The book provides a detailed insight into the life of a geisha, from the elaborate ceremonies and dances to the personal struggles and triumphs of the main character. The writing style of the book is described as beautifully written, engaging, and almost lyrical, transporting readers to a different time and place with vivid descriptions and rich detail.
If you liked Memoirs of a Geisha, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Geisha, A Life' by Mineko Iwasaki is an autobiography that provides a first-hand account of Mineko's life as one of Japan's top geisha in the 60s. The book delves into the culture of the geisha world, showcasing the training of women from childhood to adulthood, and offering insights into the motivation behind perfecting traditional Japanese arts.
The narrative in 'Geisha, A Life' is praised for its honesty and clarification of the true lives of geisha, contrasting it with the fictionalized portrayal in 'Memoirs of a Geisha.' The book covers Mineko's journey from being an apprentice maiko to her experiences as a geiko, giving readers a detailed look at the day-to-day life of a geisha and the adventures she embarked on during her career.
- #2
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.
At the turn of the century, an aging fisherman and his wife decided to take in lodgers for extra money. Both were born and raised in the fishing village of Yeongdo—a five-mile-wide islet beside the po... - #3
Tracy Chevalier's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Griet, a young maid in the 17th century household of the famous painter Vermeer. The book explores Griet's interactions with Vermeer, his family, and the challenges she faces as she navigates her role as an assistant to the artist. The narrative provides insights into the art world of the time, the dynamics within the household, and Griet's personal growth and experiences.
Chevalier's writing style in 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' is described as clear, spare, and cinematic, creating a richly imagined portrait of Griet and her relationship with Vermeer. The novel is praised for its ability to transport readers to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the life of a young woman who inspired one of Vermeer's most famous paintings. Through Griet's perspective, the book provides a unique exploration of art, social dynamics, and personal growth during the 17th century in Delft.
My mother did not tell me they were coming. Afterwards she said she did not want me to appear nervous. I was surprised, for I thought she knew me well. Strangers would think I was calm. I did not cry ... - #4
A rich re-imagining of the lives and culture of biblical women, particularly Dinah, daughter of Jacob, and her experiences as a daughter, wife, mother, friend, and midwife. The narrative expands upon the brief mention of Dinah in the Book of Genesis, exploring the relationships and traditions of women in ancient Canaan and Egypt, showcasing their struggles and joys in a male-dominated world.
The Red Tent tells the story of Dinah and the four wives of Jacob through the lens of women's experiences during biblical times. It delves into themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and the sacred rituals of the 'red tent', providing a rare insight into the lives of ancient women, their connections, and the challenges they faced in a patriarchal society.
THEIR STORIES BEGAN with the day that my father appeared. Rachel came running into camp, knees flying, bellowing like a calf separated from its mother. But before anyone could scold her for acting lik... - #5
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a novel that delves into the intricate relationships between four Chinese mothers and their American-born daughters. Through interconnected vignettes, the book explores themes of cultural differences, generational divides, and the struggles of understanding and connecting with one's family history. Set in San Francisco, the story spans decades and continents, revealing the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics and the impact of heritage on individual identities.
Amy Tan's writing style in The Joy Luck Club is described as captivating, poignant, and emotionally evocative. The narrative weaves together the stories of multiple characters, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that touch on themes of sacrifice, tradition, and the search for belonging. Through a blend of past remembrances and present reflections, Tan masterfully crafts a tale that resonates with readers by exploring the universal complexities of family relationships and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
When I was little, my mother told me my great-grandfather had sentenced a beggar to die in the worst possible way, and that later the dead man came back and killed my great-grandfather. Either that, o... - #6
Shogun by James Clavell is an epic tale set in 16th century Japan, following the journey of English protagonist Blackthorne as he navigates a new continent, new customs, and new ways of life. The story delves into Blackthorne's transformation from a heretic to a Samurai, his struggles with loyalty, and his romantic entanglements. The narrative is filled with political intrigue, drama, and personal turmoil, offering a vivid perspective on life in Japan during the 1600s. The book is praised for its insightful portrayal of Japanese culture, historical accuracy, and captivating storytelling that immerses readers into the foreign world of feudal Japan.
The author, James Clavell, weaves a complex and intricate plot that seamlessly blends elements of love, war, faith, passion, revenge, friendship, and honor. The book is lauded for its detailed cultural descriptions, engaging storytelling, and well-researched insight into Japanese history. Despite its length, Shogun is described as a captivating and emotional saga that transports readers to a time of conflict, ambition, and the struggle for power in a foreign land.
Blackthorne was suddenly awake. For a moment he thought he was dreaming because he was ashore and the room unbelievable. It was small and very clean and covered with soft mats. He was lying on a thick... - #7
"The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck is a captivating novel that follows the life of the honest farmer Wang Lung and his selfless wife Olan in China during the last emperor's rule. The story spans generations, depicting the family's struggles, rises, and falls amidst famine, crime, and social obstacles. The narrative delves into themes of hard work, determination, love, greed, and the cyclical nature of life, offering a rich portrayal of Chinese village life and the societal changes occurring at that time.
The book is written in a simple yet profound style that draws readers into the world of Wang Lung and his family, showcasing the complexities of human relationships, ambitions, and moral dilemmas. Through vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, Pearl S. Buck provides a deep insight into Chinese culture, traditions, and the universal struggles of individuals striving for a better life amidst adversity and societal pressures.
IT WAS WANG LUNG’S marriage day. At first, opening his eyes in the blackness of the curtains about his bed, he could not think why the dawn seemed different from any other. The house was still except ... A devout and resourceful young clerk, Jacob de Zoet, arrives in Dejima, an artificial island in Nagasaki Harbor, in 1799, hoping to earn a fortune to win the hand of his wealthy fiancee in Holland. However, his original intentions are eclipsed when he encounters Orito Aibagawa, a disfigured daughter of a samurai doctor and midwife to the city's powerful magistrate. The novel explores themes of morality, corruption, love triangles, mysterious cults, murder, and the clash of cultures in a historical setting.
David Mitchell departs from his previous work by presenting a straight, chronological novel with a wealth of characters, including a moral Dutchman striving to make his fortune in a corrupt world, a Japanese midwife admired by multiple suitors, and a mysterious Japanese monastic cult. The story unfolds in an intricate web of deceit, honor, tragedy, and cultural conflicts, set against the backdrop of the closed-off Japan of the late 1700s and early 1800s.
There is no pulse. 'The baby is dead,' Orito answers, in the same language, 'and the mother will die soon, if the child is not delivered.' She places her fingertips on Kawasemi's distended belly and p...- #9
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang is a multi-generational memoir that follows the lives of three Chinese women across different periods of China's tumultuous history. The book provides a sweeping narrative of the challenges faced under Communist leadership, the horrors of the Cultural Revolution, and the personal struggles and triumphs of a family living through decades of upheaval. Through the lens of one family, the author paints a vivid picture of China's transformation from a feudal kingdom to a modern state, capturing the hopes, struggles, and resilience of generations of Chinese women.
At the age of fifteen my grandmother became the concubine of a warlord general, the police chief of a tenuous national government of China. The year was 1924 and China was in chaos. Much of it, includ... - #10
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.
Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.
It happened on a Thursday. It must have, because Mariam remembered that she had been restless and preoccupied that day, the way she was only on Thursdays, the day when Jalil visited her at the kolba. ...