The memoirs of Geisha by Arthur Golden

Book specifications:

• Language: English
• Format: Kindle
• Price: 7 euros
• Length: Around 8 hours for me (mostly reading before bed)
• Genre: Fiction, drama 
 

 

How I got to know of this?

Well this is one title which was in my 'to read' list since a long time. So I don't remember details, just that at some of my life I considered this a good read for me.

Why I picked this book?

Because of I want to read a good heartfelt drama with lots of emotions. I was about to re-read Les Miserables but then this title crossed my mind and I thought why not feel emotions from a new character this time.

 

What this book is about? 

This is about a young girl who got sold to an 'okiya' and her journey in becoming a Geisha. Beginning from tender emotions to the loneliness of a successful Geisha, this is an emotional read.

 

Feelings during the reading

In every part of the world and civilization women's life has been a difficult and inspiring one. No matter how harsh the world becomes towards them, there comes a innocent one to make them rethink if they really want to crush this one too.

I also felt how the world projects itself to one at times that a disgusting thing could also pose itself as a precious and respectful dream to some. I mean its magical how the whole town of Gion is set up culturally that the work of maid could be seen as disrespectful and that of Geisha as of some divine value.

 

Feeling after the reading

The ending of this story is so warm and comforting that it blurs all the harshness that was told before. After keeping this book down I felt as if I knew somebody and their difficult life and now that everything turned out fine, I am all relaxed. But as an Indian person, I found the story quite repetitive. There were stories of umraojaan and pakiza movie with the very similar contents.

Quotes I will carry

We lead our lives like water flowing down a hill, going more or less in one direction until we splash into something that forces us to find a new course

Hopes are like hair ornaments. Girls want to wear too many of them. When they become old women they look silly wearing even one.

The last czars

So from the books I moved to TV series. Basically, I am enjoying writing these reviews. They are not just a good journal for me to look upon later, but also this is feeling like a good writing exercise. Last week, I did less of book reading and more of watching, in particular this TV program on Netflix.

Series Specification:

• Language: English
• Where I watched: Netflix
• Genre: Dramatized non-fiction
• Number of episodes: Till date only 6 episodes
• What this series is about: The last Czar of Russia- Nicholas Romanov

Why I picked this one?

Was browsing through my Netflix account and it was showing as recommended program. After watching The Crown, The Roman Empire, I was curious enough in history to start this series.

What this series is about?

As the name suggests, this is about the last Russian Czar and last heir of the Romanov family. The series starts from the day the czar gets the reign and ends with his life.

Feelings while watching

It was very well choreographed like the other series of same kind -- The Roman Empire, etc. So it was total enjoyment to indulge into this one and perfect for binge watching. I kept on feeling how stupid the czar and czarina were through the whole time. The other thing I felt was how influential a woman of the house really is. It might seem a king is ruling but if not well guarded by emotions, he can not do much without the queen. The czar kept on making stupid mistakes because he could not deny the emotions of czarina.

Feelings after finishing the series

Horrified by how their life and rein ended. That family ruled for over 300 years and ended in a way that nobody knew of where and how they ended. It revived the feeling of life being such a transient thing.

Characters I will remember

• Czarina - taught me how important it is to take care of one's emotions and at times be careful of not letting your loved one to get carried away by your emotions.
• Rasputin - the ultimate proof of how strong a will power can be

Scenes I will remember from this series

• The historical scene of how the family ends
• How Rasputin refuses to die even after few bullet shots