Women of the Pleasure Quarters: The Secret History of the Geisha [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

The book is divided into 3 parts. The first, and the longest, traces the checkered but colourful history of geishas against the backdrop of the Shogunate, the Meiji Reformation , the Pacific War and its aftermath up to the late 90s. This amusing historical account is further spiced up from time to time by romantic tales of legendary courtesans and geishas of the past. In tracing the development of the geishas, Downer also touches upon the shirabyoshi dancing girls, the tayu courtesans and the taikomochi (male geishas), which were early models of the breed. The interesting narrative also charts the waxing and waning of the fortunes of the various licensed pleasure quarters and geisha districts in Kyoto and Tokyo, each having its own distinctive atmosphere. This part should have now become a classic account of the history of geishas.

The second part deals with the everyday life of the maikos (apprentice geishas) and geishas of the present day and those of the more recent past. Besides descriptions of their distinctive way of make-up, their awesome kimonos, wigs and other accoutrements, as well as way they conduct themselves in tea-house parties, the author has also persuaded many geishas and maikos to talk about their past experiences, including the delicate subject of mizuage (ritual deflowerment) and their relationships with customers and dannas (principal patrons). Many of these women have spoken with unwonted frankness through which the reader can obtain deep, and sometimes startling, insights into their world.

The final part of the book examines the relationship of geishas with men, their lovers (if any) and the wives of their clients. In fact, throughout the book, one can obtain much insight about the Japanese attitude to love and sex, which, as the author noted, was untouched until recently by either the European notion of romantic love or Christian sexual morality and the role of women in Japanese society and putting the geisha into its proper social context.

It is evident that the author is fascinated by the subject matter of her research, entranced by the arts and aesthetics of geishas and intrigued by their rites and training. Throughout this very well written book, she discusses her subject matter with a sense of admiration, understanding, compassion and, above all, respect. There are also quite a number of amusing episodes concerning the author (such as her discovery that using the right form of speech and buying the right kind of cakes can make a world of a difference) which makes the book a lively read.

Comparisons with Liza Dalby's "Geisha" (which this reviewer has also read) is now inevitable. While Downer may lack some first-hand insight on the everyday life of geishas which Dalby can provide by virtue of her stint as a geisha in Kyoto, and that Dalby's book can offer more detailed information regarding the various arts of geishas and the atmosphere in Kyoto's Pontocho geisha district, Downer's book scores in its excellent account of the history and development of geishas as well as its in-depth discussion of mizuage as well as the relationship between geishas and their patrons. On the whole, Downer's book is also structurally more organised and up-to-date. As such, this new publication is highly recommended to those who are interested in this exotic subject.

"Women of the Pleasure Quarters" begins with a first person account of Ms. Downer's attempts to gain the "inside" perspective to what has been for centuries a virtually secret society. Throughout the book, I found captivating her recounting of meetings and conversations with those connected with the geisha life: proprietors and "clients" of the tea houses, teachers, artists, wig makers, and the maiko and geisha themselves. The diversity of aspects woven into Ms. Downer's journalistic endeavors (mostly from time spent in Kyoto and Tokyo) are impressive, encompassing folklore, poetry, theater, music, fashion, art, and the geisha's mastery of charm and conversation. It's an entertaining read, more so than I expected, and her photos add a nice, diary-like touch to the writing.

Aside from the author's documentation of geisha life, there's also much to be told about Japanese history and legend, and the evolution of the role of geisha and maiko, beginning with the 17th century tea houses and ending with the present times. While I found the history and literature lessons to be mildly interesting, I was much more fascinated with the participation of Ms. Downer in her ventures behind the gates of the "flower and willow" world. To me, the bouncing around between first and third person story telling--present, then past, and again--upset the flow of this book, but only slightly (my only criticism). I wanted to read more about the author's tales.

All things considered, I'd recommend this book to just about anyone. By her curiosity and persistence, Ms. Downer gives us much more than just an acquaintance with the women behind the painted faces.