Geisha

I wanted to include this book that I had read last year. As you know that a movie, Memoirs of a Geisha had released back in 2006.

In that movie, Memoirs of a Geisha had explained the life of a young girl who was sold for a slavery under the renowned geisha house and witness the transformation as she learned arts of the geisha by dancing/music, wearing kimono, elaborate makeup and hair and many mores.

This book is somewhat different than "Memoirs of a Geisha". It's about Mineko Iwasaki who was trained to become a geisha from the age of five. She became one of the most prized geishas in Japan's history because she was loved by kings, princes, military heros, and wealthy statesmen.

One thing she wanted was her own life once she retired at age 29. So this book will give you a journey what her life would be like during her training as a geisha and post-geisha period.

It's a very heart-breaking and inspiring story to read this. It includes of her personal photos even a picture of her with Prince Charles.

Recommend for anyone who are interested in Japan's culture of Geishas!

The Blood of Flowers

That book caught my eyes at the bookstore and took a peek by reading on the back cover.

Summary of the story on the back cover:

"In the Fabled City of Isfahan, in seventeenth-century Persia, a young woman confronts a dismal fate: her beloved father has died and left her without a dowry. Forced to work as a servant in the home of her uncle, a rich rug designer in the court of the Shah, the young woman blossoms as a brilliant designer of carpets. But while her talent flourishes, her prospects for a happy marriage grow dim, and she finds herself faced with a daunting decision- to forsake her own dignity or to risk everything in an effort to maintain it".

I gave my 2 big thumbs up after I read this book because it gave me lots of imaginations what the life was like during the seventeenth-century in the city of Isfahan.

I have lots of sorrow, angry and amazed what Persia, the young woman had gone through with her life especially with no dowry at all. I wish I could say more but strongly recommend you to read this book. Also I had learned the cultures of Iran especially the sigheh (Iranian men can marry some young women for pleasure) that are arranged, betrayals, must honor the upper level of family member by becoming a servant to earn a place to stay if no money involves, the descriptions of how to make those beautiful carpets and many mores.

One thing I can say: I do admire the courage of Persia of her decisions.