The story begins in 1929 and follows a young girl as she enters the complex world of the geisha with its rules and customs.

This was a breath of fresh air from the books I've been reading recently such a complete departure a different world. I'd put off reading it worried that I would find it difficult to get into but I needn't have worried. Despite the many Japanese names which didn't exactly trip off my tongue the story itself was very absorbing and the characters so well delineated. I loved the descriptions of the kimonos, the rituals of dressing and makeup, the playing of music and dancing all of it fascinating.

Sometimes it was a cruel and a harsh world but pragmatic you did what you had to to survive. I admired Sayuri for her determination, strength, she had principles and code of ethics but sometimes had lapses in judgement in her own actions and how they affect others.

The character of Hatsumomo I don't know why despite her being such a great baddy I felt sorry for her she was her own worst enemy. She was terrifying because she held such power to make life miserable and bring you to despair but she was a sad character too.

I didn't expect the story to take the turn it did towards the end it's great when the story takes you by surprise.

I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone despite the culture or language barriers that make us different we are all human with the human foibles, fears, ambitions, needs that shape and make us who we are.