This is a fascinating look at Geisha history and life. It is a little dated as it talks about that life in the mid 70s, it would be neat to read something a little more up to date. The author does a great job of mixing experiences in with facts and the chapters are broken down into shorter, readable sections. I think it is hard for Americans to really understand the 'flower and willow' world as it is something so foreign to us, but Dalby does a good job of at least trying to give us an idea of it. I highly recommend this one.