A Woman of Pleasure
by Kiyoko Murata

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Interest

I love books like this, that give an insight into different cultures, historical actions and the effects on individual people.

I enjoyed reading it from a more personal level, seeing Ichi's thoughts, her way of rationlising and making sense of the world she's been dropped in. It helped me understand her actions. This kind of writing always holds my interest more, has me thinking “what would I have done?”
Prostitution is often known as the oldest profession and of course its always with us in some form, whether openly as in this novel or hidden from sight – supposedly- as illegal....
Its was interesting to see how the brothels worked, how they varied and how the more exclusive ones valued education. Its not something that springs to mind, but was really interesting to read that the girls were taught how to read and write, how to calculate, even if it was for practical reasons rather than for their own benefit.
I did feel sorry for Ichi and the girls like her ( and no doubt boys too) , caught up in a world where they have no choice about what they do. Sadly there are still too many children caught up in some form of prostitution/slavery worldwide even today.

Stars: Four, a story that felt very real, based upon historical reality.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

I really enjoyed this book, though enjoyed is probably not the right word because of the subject matter. Ichi is such a fascinating character and it was good to learn the history of the brothel areas in Japan.

That this is told through the eyes of several women in different mediums was so interesting and made me wonder what I would do in their situations. I also learned a lot, such as having no idea that the debts could be extended by the fathers even though it clearly makes sense.

I thought the end came round quite quickly and they left more unopposed than I thought they would have been able to, but I was happy to see Ichi find some peace even though the end is somewhat unresolved.

This is a historical novel about the courtesans whose strike brought down a red-light district, and a testament to the bonds between women and the power of owning one's language and freedom.

This was a very good read. Although fictional, it gives an insight into the lives of courtesans with education beyond the art of seduction, and their strength in realising their value as women. It was refreshing, how raw and unblemished the characters' stories were, and situations they faced dealing with routine behind the mysticism of the courtesan world.

A young girl from a remote Japanese island is sold into prostitution by her family. In the brothel, she learns how to pleasure clients. At school, she learns how to write and count to keep track of her debt. Based on real-life events in Meiji-era Japan, it's a moving and challenging book.

This is a really fascinating book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Learnt a lot about a culture that I don't know tons about too.

So well written a fascinating portrait of these women from long ago who were used for pleasure.This is historical fiction at it best.I was swept into the world of these women their lives their friendship.an excellent read.#netgalley #awomanof pleasure.

Well written and emotional, this book explores the importance of female friendships and body autonomy. I really enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to get swept away into this uncomfortable, intense and emotional world that was the everyday life for so many women.

Really great Japanese fiction from along ago. I was fascinated by the process the prostitutes went through as a part of a perverse and saddening induction of sorts. I loved the characters and the plot and the shift towards a political angle towards the end was really interesting too.

The story is well written. It feels so real, like I see the situation in front of my eyes.

Actually, this book is not my type of read. But I try to get out from my comfort writing, that's why I tried to read this book.

Turns out, it's not that bad. Even at first, I felt uncomfortable with the vulgarity by the description of sex workers, then I can follow the story about how Aoi Ichi try to runaway from the brothel.

This is the kind of historical fiction I love. A window into a time, place and part of history that I know nothing about. The writing and translation made the main character so vivid. Highly recommend.