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.

The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan is a multigenerational tale that delves into the lives of women in early 20th-century China, primarily focusing on the courtesan life and traditions prevalent during that period. The story follows the journey of Violet Minturn, a young woman who grows up in Shanghai's most exclusive courtesan house, separated from her mother due to a cruel act of deception. As Violet navigates through love affairs, struggles, and misadventures, the novel explores themes of female agency, endurance, mother-daughter relationships, and the changing fortunes of a clever courtesan. Amy Tan's writing style is described as beautifully detailed, bittersweet, and shocking, immersing readers in the rich settings and lively characters of the story.

The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon is a collection of private musings and observations of court life in 10th century Japan. The book provides insights into the daily life of a noblewoman, including descriptions of court ceremonies, attire, and nature, as well as lists of preferences and dislikes. Sei Shonagon's writing style is described as witty, sarcastic, and engaging, offering a glimpse into the world of the Heian Period through anecdotes, poetry references, and personal reflections.

'Autobiography of a Geisha' by Sayo Masuda is a heartbreaking tale of a young woman who was sold into the Hot Spring Geisha business and faced hardship and heartbreak in her journey to find acceptance and meaning in a world where sexual relations were an expectation. Unlike the glamorous portrayal in 'Memoirs of a Geisha', Masuda's autobiography provides an unvarnished look at the life of a geisha in prewar Japan, showcasing the seamy side of the story and offering a different perspective on the world of geisha compared to other autobiographies.

'The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector's Story' by Hyeonseo Lee is a gripping memoir that follows the life of the author as she navigates the oppressive regime of North Korea and her daring escape to freedom. The narrative details her struggles, from living near the border of China to her dreams of a better life outside the confines of her homeland. Through captivating storytelling, the author takes readers on a journey of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of liberty in the face of adversity. The writing style immerses the reader in the author's growth and transformation, evoking a range of emotions that culminate in a poignant and inspiring tale.

Geisha by Liza Dalby is a unique exploration of the world of geisha, providing an objective and sympathetic view of life as a geisha from the 1930's to the mid 1970's. The book delves into the private life of a geisha, offering rarely heard stories and true traditions while educating the reader about the history and culture of geisha. Liza Dalby, an anthropologist, becomes her own test subject by portraying a geisha herself, providing personal accounts that are both insightful and captivating.

Dalby's writing style combines detailed views of Japanese culture and mentality with personal experiences as a geisha, creating a narrative that is informative and engaging. The book goes beyond a mere recollection of her life as a geisha, offering a portal into a world that is shrouded in secrecy and providing a deeper understanding of the intricate part of Japanese society that geisha represent.

"An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel set in post-WWII Japan, following the story of Mr. Ono, a retired artist reflecting on his past political positions and actions. The narrative delves into themes of guilt, family dynamics, and societal changes as Ono grapples with the consequences of his past choices. The story is told through Ono's perspective, offering a glimpse into his present life and his recollections of the past, creating a fascinating exploration of a Japanese family navigating a society in transition.

The book is characterized by its beautifully written prose, intricate exploration of memory and legacy, and the complexities of self-perception. Through the lens of an unreliable narrator, Ishiguro weaves a tale of introspection and self-realization, as Ono confronts his own mistakes and struggles to come to terms with his past actions in a changing world.

The Makioka Sisters by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki is a novel set in the 1930s and '40s Japan, focusing on the lives of the four Makioka sisters as they navigate through marriage, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The book delves into the daily minutiae of the sisters' lives, showcasing distinctively Japanese culture and events amidst the backdrop of the looming WWII. Tanizaki's writing captures the intimate everyday moments of the once powerful Makioka family, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles of a declining aristocracy in a rapidly changing society.

'Snow Country' by Yasunari Kawabata is a novella set in Japan's mountainous snow country, telling the story of a wealthy Tokyo man, Shimamura, who visits a hot spring town and becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with Komako, a local geisha. The book explores themes of wasted beauty, existentialism, and the complexities of human emotion. Kawabata's writing style is described as poetic, with rich descriptions of time and place, and a dreamlike quality that intrigues readers.

"The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times" by Jennifer Worth is a memoir of a midwife nurse working in London's poorest neighborhood in the 1950s. It explores the lives of women dealing with poverty, abuse, and the challenges of endless babies, while also showcasing how the mothers, midwives, and nuns found meaning and love in such hardship. provides a glimpse into the relationships between nurses, nuns, and their patients in 1950s Poplar, London, and is adapted into a major television series, making it an easy and enjoyable read with lovely prose.