Is "Memoirs of a Geisha" literature, or a beach book?

Question

My grade 11 teacher approved its literary merit, and allowed my friend to read it for her ISU.
I was surprised because I thought it was a beach book. (My teacher defines beach books as Doritos for the mind).

Answer 1

Who can define what literature really is? It all depends on how it is approached; what personal definitions you have for 'literature'; how criticism is being applied; etc.

I have read "Memoirs of a Geisha" and I do consider it literature. It is a beautiful book displaying the changes in life and the will that one has to have to achieve. To me it defines survival and recreates a pre- and post war lifestyle that I am unable to personally connect with. But, like I said, TO ME.

A book isn't literature or not literature by definition. Deciding what is and what isn't literature is a matter of personal decision and preference.

Answer 2

I'm not sure that it matters. The story is very compelling and well written, and he did an excellent job of writing from the perspective of a Japanese woman (it's almost impossible to believe a man wrote this book!!), so whether or not it is literature is not your teacher's main focus, I don't think.

If I were a teacher, I would definitely allow my students to read Memoirs of a Geisha, because it can teach you a lot about a different culture, a different lifestyle, and about the war. Also, because it is so well written, hopefully it will make students want to read more books. Books are great because you almost always learn something new from them, and they help you become more articulate.

Next time ask your teacher if you can read "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffeneger. This is also a great book that I would say is probably a beach book, but could qualify as literature by your teacher's standards, simply because it is spectacularly written.

Answer 3

While "Memoirs of a Geisha" is a relatively easy and definitely fascinating read, I wouldn't necessarily lump it in the category of a beach book.

I would say the book is easy to digest because Golden has made the characters compelling, made their situations interesting and actually finds himself giving an opinion of the situation, albeit his opinion through the eyes of this young geisha girl.

But, at the same time, there is a lot of depth in terms of taking a look at the culture in which it is set, the character's interactions with this world that they seem forced into but ultimately succumb to because they realize at some point that this has grown into who they are as people. The book poses questions for most characters, and for the reader on the situations and what you would do when brought to certain points in your life when you face similar crossroads.

I like this book, but it certainly isn't in my list of greatest novels ever. But certainly, it is a book of substance and readability, which can be rare. :)

Answer 4

I've read it and listened to it on disc and, while Arthur Golden is no Jane Austen, his book isn't light and vapid enough for a beach book. His characters are three-dimensional and compelling, so I think your teacher is correct in defining "Memoirs" as literature.

Answer 5

Certainly literature. It has important things to say and is well-written, which is why I consider it literature.

However, it reads very easily, so it could be a 'beach book'- I know that I was never bored or felt like I was reading literature when I read it.

Answer 6

if it is a book it is listed under literature..... just because someone would read it on the beach or hangin by the pool doesn't describe the book at all War and Peace have been read while pool side how does that diminish it? just because it is read there... would reading in the toilet deminish what you read unless it's Hustler or How to be a pro star? don't think so but then opinions are indeed like assholes, every one has one

Answer 7

Just because a book is a bestseller does not mean it's a "beach book." I would definitely call this book literature...Just because a book is more accesible does not mean it's lietrature. But, yeah, the question you ask is subjective.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

It is quite well written and you will learn a lot about pre-WWII Japan from it.

It is a far better book than a Harlequin Romance or one of John Grisholm's novels.

The film version had a great soundtrack and beautiful imagery and set design.

Answer 10

I haven't read this book so I can't say much about it. I don't think that I would put it in the canon of "literature."