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Posted by bharath on Sunday, January 15, 2006
Pennies from Heaven : Book Reviews
Wow! It is a beautiful sketch of the life of a Geisha. True or not, beautiful it is. The author brings to you not a story but a journey and you get to take it through all four seasons.
Firstly its a fairy tale of sorts, but the setting is exotic and described in exquisite detail or so it feels, the tea house, Geisha life and how they train and entertain. It is the exotic component that will make you hang on to the story. The narration does not lag or sag for one moment, flowing effortlessly like life of the Geisha itself. The beauty of the Geisha's dresses gets a big attention to detail from the author's researches. I wish the book had pictures :)
One thing that the author excels in is the exasperating amount of similes and metaphors ... she walked like spring winding its way through the mountains, etc. If you are one for such poetic extravagance, you will like it. Actually it is quite well paced and you don't feel it, except at times, when it fills pages. Though I can see why it actually adds beauty to the book.
One time I was at a painting exhibition standing before the portrait of a lady whose face was absorbed in sadness, so much so, my gaze was fixated on her expression than the surroundings. After a while, I saw that the surrounding was a cemetry with a mournful desserted feel. It was as if the lady's sadness had oozed out into the surrounding to make it look mournful than the other way. So I was saying ... the author wanted you to feel the characters' emotions, at the same time drawing into the picture the surrounding to accentuate the effect. He has done it extremely well.
I, for one, like Gorky and his poetic way of making even the saddest picture look no more poignant than it needs to be. Even to the level of being surreal, that it won't affect you in a sick way. Arthur Golden does just that but for a fairy tale.
The book holds tremendous promise of a exciting journey for the reader. For a debut, it is certainly a highly commendable effort.
Another book I recommend is :
Title: Jonathan Livingston Seagull
An excellent fable, that leaves the possibility for many interpretations, each one provoking and beautiful as the flight of Jonathan, the Seagull. Very little more to say. The story lasts only 20 or so pages. ¶ 6:01 PM
Wow! It is a beautiful sketch of the life of a Geisha. True or not, beautiful it is. The author brings to you not a story but a journey and you get to take it through all four seasons.
Firstly its a fairy tale of sorts, but the setting is exotic and described in exquisite detail or so it feels, the tea house, Geisha life and how they train and entertain. It is the exotic component that will make you hang on to the story. The narration does not lag or sag for one moment, flowing effortlessly like life of the Geisha itself. The beauty of the Geisha's dresses gets a big attention to detail from the author's researches. I wish the book had pictures :)
One thing that the author excels in is the exasperating amount of similes and metaphors ... she walked like spring winding its way through the mountains, etc. If you are one for such poetic extravagance, you will like it. Actually it is quite well paced and you don't feel it, except at times, when it fills pages. Though I can see why it actually adds beauty to the book.
One time I was at a painting exhibition standing before the portrait of a lady whose face was absorbed in sadness, so much so, my gaze was fixated on her expression than the surroundings. After a while, I saw that the surrounding was a cemetry with a mournful desserted feel. It was as if the lady's sadness had oozed out into the surrounding to make it look mournful than the other way. So I was saying ... the author wanted you to feel the characters' emotions, at the same time drawing into the picture the surrounding to accentuate the effect. He has done it extremely well.
I, for one, like Gorky and his poetic way of making even the saddest picture look no more poignant than it needs to be. Even to the level of being surreal, that it won't affect you in a sick way. Arthur Golden does just that but for a fairy tale.
The book holds tremendous promise of a exciting journey for the reader. For a debut, it is certainly a highly commendable effort.
Another book I recommend is :
Title: Jonathan Livingston Seagull
An excellent fable, that leaves the possibility for many interpretations, each one provoking and beautiful as the flight of Jonathan, the Seagull. Very little more to say. The story lasts only 20 or so pages. ¶ 6:01 PM
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hey bleu,
If you liked the book, you'd love the movie. I read the book a good 5 yrs back so cant recollect the details much but I'd say much of the story has survived intact in the movie. And off course the visual imagery is a treat for the senses.
I'd suggest "geisha of gion" if u want to read more about geisha life and how they train.
I get what you mean by the metaphors. But somehow I like that kind of writing . Makes for the lack of visuals in a book
If you liked the book, you'd love the movie. I read the book a good 5 yrs back so cant recollect the details much but I'd say much of the story has survived intact in the movie. And off course the visual imagery is a treat for the senses.
I'd suggest "geisha of gion" if u want to read more about geisha life and how they train.
I get what you mean by the metaphors. But somehow I like that kind of writing . Makes for the lack of visuals in a book
Have read Seagull, I agree you can interpret it the way you like. And since its short, you can finish it quickly and spend lot more time just thinking about it! Looking forward to watching the movie geisha, dont think I would be able to read it in near future.
And yeah, a small detail: "she walked like spring winding its way through the mountains"
- thats a simile and not a metaphor.
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And yeah, a small detail: "she walked like spring winding its way through the mountains"
- thats a simile and not a metaphor.
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