IDENTIFYING #: 0375400117
CLASSIFICATION: FICTION
GENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION
CALL #: FIC GOLDEN
RECOMMENDED AGE/INTEREST LEVEL: ADULT
RATING: 5
Annotation: Sold by her father to an okiya, Chiyo prepares to become a geisha, hoping to one day gain the attention of the man she's loved since childhood.
Summary: The story of Chiyo is told through her own eyes. As a young child, her poor father, whose wife is dying,l sells her and her sister. Chiyo is taken into an okiya where she is prepared to become a geisha. Her life is not easy, and the most popular and successful geisha of the okiya hates her and tries to ruin Chiyo's chances of becoming a geisha. Hatsumomo's rival, another geisha, Mameha takes an interest in Chiyo's future in order to spite Hatsumomo, and adopts Chiyo as a younger sister. Under Mameha's guidance, Chiyo's name is changed to Sayuri. Mameha introduces Sayuri to the men and activities of Gion and Kyoto. All the while, Sayuri waits and hopes for the chance to meet the handsome man whose kindness to her as a child captivated her.
Notes: Although this book is written for adults, teen girls who enjoy historical fiction will be fascinated by this beautiful and intriguing story.
