Memoirs

Nobody had anything negative to say about 'Memoirs of a Geisha' so at the Fyshwick markets last weekend I bought the book (a bargain at $1, I must say!). 'Memoirs...' is an exquisite book. All my knowledge of Japanese life prior to reading this book came from Samurai-type movies and reviews of Japanese cartoons, which really does not reflect this rich culture.
Imagine walking into a shop full of the richest silks and lace - imagine sitting down while each piece of absolutely unique fabric is laid out in front of you and unfolded to reveal a more intricate and beautiful layer underlying the previous one. You can marvel at them and you can even run them over your skin and feel the lush, soft fabric caress you - yet you cannot have it. This is precisely the 'feel' of this book. It is a whirlwind of emotions narrated with such poise, grace and restraint that you don't realise that you've held you're breath all along. It is a cool breeze that leaves you as breathless as if you were just hit by a tornado!
I do not really want to talk about the story. The synopsis really tells the gist of it, yet one must read it to truly experience its brilliance.
Enough said I think. All that is left is for you to do is to read it.