The Song of the Wild Geese

The Geisha Who Ran Away #1

by India Millar

Terue. The girl who was plucked from obscurity to become the most sought after geisha in Edo’s Floating World. The geisha who was so beautiful and talented that one of the richest nobles in Japan desired her as his wife.

But Terue wanted more from life, and was willing to risk everything to get it. Pregnant with her lover’s child and knowing that the disgrace would mean certain death for both her and her unborn child, Terue makes the devastating choice to flee Japan on the day her daughter – Kazhua, The Geisha with the Green Eyes – was born and changes both their destinies forever.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Japan, Fiction, Asia, Fantasy, Historical Romance

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2019

About the author

With a literary journey spanning more than a dozen captivating novels set in historical Japan and a collection of evocative haikus, India Millar has embarked on a diverse career. Her professional odyssey commenced amidst the machinery of British Gas's heavy industry, eventually culminating within the hallowed halls of the British Library, where the tapestry of knowledge and storytelling merged seamlessly.
Now, India finds herself in the idyllic embrace of early retirement on the enchanting Costa Blanca. As she continues to explore the realms of history and poetry, India remains deeply grateful for the winding path that has led her to this peaceful and creative haven. Each word written, each page turned, is a testament to the enduring passion for storytelling that continues to shape her life's narrative.

Reviews

[Ming Wei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story about how a young girls life transformed unimaginably, which might have been a common theme during this period in history. You quickly become embedded into the story, which is very hard to put down, once you start reading it, I will not include spoilers about the story line, but it is enthralling and very interesting, using an intelligent and expressive writing style the author develops deep characteristics for the main character. The book makes you feel a connection with the main character. Very well written, really enjoyable, no negatives, no editorial errors, nice book cover, a good read for all those interest in this history period.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. I read it straight through the night till the early morning. That is how good this book is. It had me totally engaged and spellbound. This story reads as if it was a true to life story of a poor young child sold to become a geisha. I became entranced in this world that was in Edo. Japan. Junko as a child was taken to the Floating World to the Green Tea House to be trained as a geisha. She was naturally talented in song and with musical instruments and she was beautiful. Her naivete and innocence were the gifts to her success. She was the most sought after maiko (geisha in training). When she finally became a full-fledged geisha, her name was changed to Terue. It means shining blessing. Terue began the journey of secrets, slavery, mystery, danger and love. This is an exciting book into the life of a young maiko, that turned into a geisha, that turned into a lover, that turned into a mother, that turned into a wife in a life that was so far away from all that she knew. It was only the beginning of the joys and heartache Terue would live through. This book takes you on a spectacular journey to a foreign lands and foreign customs. Written from the heart of the author that lived in the characters. This is an impeccably written book. The detailed imagery of the characters, customs, clothing, landscape are vividly brought alive in the writing. The story does not end with this book. I look forward to the sequel. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

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[Beth deAcosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left me breathless😘

This story needs nothing else than a loving soul to enjoy reading from beginning to last page. It's one of the greatest historical romance books I've read in my 73 years. Don't procrastinate a minute....please read and fill your heart with intrigue!

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of the Wild Geese #1 - It is refreshing to read a well put together book. Well written, well edited and extremely knowledgeable of the subject matter. I had a hard time putting this book and kept feeling grateful that I had all three books of this series to chain read.

For those fortunate enough to have read the Shogun Series by James Clavell, you'll enjoy this story into the life of an 11-year-old country girl sold to a famous Geisha house in Edo. The mindset of the Japanese; the teachings and trails of becoming a Geisha; the traditions of Japanese life; and the horrors for females born into poor families come to life in this vividly descriptive, factually true and fascinating story. I already know the history of Japan and its culture, yet I'm still mesmerized by the unfolding story of the life of Junko. The characters, along with the storylines, keep the reader devouring the pages.

Even those who love Amy Tan and Pearl S. Buck (their people and culture are Chinese) will enjoy the journeys of the Japanese characters in this lovely story. I found this book on Booksprout and since have contacted the author to review her books. 5*

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the beginning of another wonderful India Millar trilogy. Few have share the Floating World of early Japan with America as well as she does. Her books are epic, scanning cultures and the world, with characters who will loom just as large in your memory.

Junko came to the Floating World as many young girls did in her age. Her Auntie found her in an impoverished village. She was purchased from her family with the money helping to feed those left behind. Junko was eleven years old.

Being an innocent child she knew nothing of the ways of men and women. She had never heard of the Floating World until Auntie brought her to the Green Tea House. At first Junko thought she was meant to be a maid.

The other Maiko’s, young girls training to be Geisha, were the ones to educate her on that matter. Little did she know she was to become the Floating World’s most sought after Geisha. The Green Tea House only entertained only the highest class of Edo society. Junko had much to learn.

Join Junko on this epic journey!

I was gifted a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely 5 stars - yes it was amazing. Bitter sweet and painful, the story of a poor village girl who was sold to the owner of a Tea House, to be groomed and raised to be a geisha. Depending on the geisha, sought after young virgins can be negotiated for a lot of money, for the privilege of de-flowering them. Of course, the punters have to be rich and they tend to be old men, which is what young Terue was subjected to... which would maybe not have been so awful if she had not fallen for another much younger, much more handsome man.

This story of the girl with limited choices was heart breaking. I cried with her, cringed with her, rejoiced with her, escaped with her and my heart broke for her - what a story! I am so glad that I discovered India Millar and look forward to her next instalment of the Geisha's story. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Melanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartrending and heartwarming in equal measure

Imperial Japan on the 19th century is the setting for the story of Junko, a penniless ragamuffin girl who is sold into the most brutal and elegant form of slavery - the Floating World of the Geisha. The novel sees the belittled and discarded Junko transformed into Terue, the most famous and cultured geisha in Edo. I cried more than once for the shame and suffering she endured, but Terue's transformation is more than physical - she learns lessons of the heart and soul which strengthen her mind and her spirit for the adventures she encounters, especially the adventure of love. Excellent writing, a fine eye for historical detail and a gently indulged penchant for irony are the highlights of this moving tale of Terue's twisted fate. I thank Booksprout for the ARC, and this review is voluntary, independent, and uncompensated.

[Molly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well this was...not very good.

The 4 star rating lured me in honestly and I kinda want my money back ;D.

I thought I'd be getting an interesting look at a young girl going into the Geisha world ala 'Memoirs of a Geisha' but instead I got a somewhat trashy yet also very bland story about a girl who has very little personality, wandering from one plot point to another.

Terue is just boring and so naive that it drove me crazy. The other characters are barely fleshed out at all and then the plot is just weird.
Half way through the story we end up in deep south USA on a plantation complete with slaves. Really did not expect that and I don't think it worked well with the story at all
The book is just rushing from one idea to the next without filling in the spaces between.

I really don't recommend this at all. Better to go read Memoirs of a Geisha.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so worth reading,For those fortunate enough to have read the Shogun Series by James Clavell, you'll enjoy this story into the life of an 11-year-old country girl sold to a famous Geisha house in Edo. The mindset of the Japanese; the teachings and trails of becoming a Geisha; the traditions of Japanese life; and the horrors for females born into poor families come to life in this vividly descriptive, factually true and fascinating story. I already know the history of Japan and its culture, yet I'm still mesmerized by the unfolding story of the life of Junko. The characters, along with the storylines, keep the reader devouring the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful refreshing and well written book.
The Author is extremely knowledgeable with regard to the intricacy and complexity of Japanese life and traditions.
This factually true and fascinating story captures the reader's attention as the book is being read making it a difficult book to put down.
There are excellent detailed descriptions to events, scenes, and settings and the characters are well researched and very well defined.
This is an amazing and fascinating historical fiction that will surely please all historical buffs.
I received a copy via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read this author,,,,,

For those fortunate enough to have read the Shogun Series by James Clavell, you'll enjoy this story into the life of an 11-year-old country girl sold to a famous Geisha house in Edo.,,,, this is the prequel to The Geisha with the Green Eyes,,,, It was amazing to read some of the things about the Geisha and in the end it all turns out that she has to do what's best for her unborn baby,,,, was a good read and I would so totally recommend this book to anyone,,,,,

I have gotten this ARC voluntarily to leave an honest review,,,,,,

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Japanese culture going into this, so it was absolutely fascinating to learn about the culture and what women had to go through just to survive. This was a beautiful story about a geisha and her journey to save herself and her daughter. I am looking forward to reading subsequent books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about a young girl, who is sold by her family to become a geisha. It is not as bad as it sounds, as to become an accomplished geisha one needs education and good food. But life is not easy, especially when a young foreign man stirs the waters.
The book is mostly well written, but I had some problems with the partial translations of Japanese terms. It seemed to make things more confusing than if the Japanese terms had been kept.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of Memoirs of a Geisha and I loved that book and movie. Beautiful storyline with personable characters.Terue was such a strong character and she wanted so much more out of life. She is fierce and loyal to the protection of her lovely daughter Kazhua. I couldn't put this book down once I started and I look forward to continuing this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Hoenshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me interested and wanting to read more. I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed how the couple got together and what happened to them. I can't wait for the next in the series to read to find out more

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting up to be a prequel series to the Geisha with the Green Eyes, The Song of the Wild Geese is a fascinating historical fiction account of a Geisha, who is confined by society's rules and must do everything she can to protect her and her unborn child - even if that means leaving everything she has ever known behind. This is a beautiful read.

[Annabelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Someone once said to me that life is too short for bad books.
This book contained so many cliches which when combined with the highly implausible plotlineade it unreadable.

If Japanese geisha culture interests you pick up Memoirs of a Geisha.
If you are interested in a Harlequin romance that happens to take place in Japan, read this one.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story. Terue was given to a Geisha house and becomes the most sought after. She wants more out of life than this. It’s a story that you won’t put down.

[KC Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

A wonderful story about Japan and the women who lived there. Geisha girls were honored in their own ways. The culture is so unique to the western world.

[Gale Laroche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books.

I have enjoyed reading this author’s books. I was thinking they should make a mini-series of these stories. India Millar is a great writer!

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what an absolute little gem this is! The reader grows with the main protagonist, learns from her innocence and the challenges and hardship she faces. At the same time one gets a glimpse into a time and culture one may not always be familiar with.
The story is very well done, at times it made me uncomfortable since I do not feel alright reading about a young girl experiencing what the protagonist did. However this is also a glimpse into a time where it was more considered a normal occurrence. This does help but nonetheless for todays times it is definitely difficult to read certain parts.
However the author write about this with such skills! Absolutely well done.

4,5/5 stand

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

she has been picked and she is a Geisha who is very popular with the men. She wants more so when she gets pregnant with her lover baby. She has to make a choice when her baby is born. She had intentions of fleeing Japan. What will happen now? will She run? Will she stay? See what will happen

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen innocence.

So sad that the little girls were of no value to families and were sold off as easily as a piece of furniture. I'm sure the mothers felt the loss of their daughters, but you know in a man's world...
Makes me sick to think,they actually thought they were doing them a favor. Really good book. Looking forward to reading the next one

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginative yet familiar

I wanted to give this book 3.74/5 but since it only allows whole numbers 4 is what it gets. The plot at times reminded me of a wanna be Memoirs of a Geisha(the book not the movie). Yet it had its own things that made it different enough to keep reading. I'm looking forward to the next 2 books and potentially reading accompanying series.

[Martha P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book which covers the life of a Japanese geisha girl, from childhood when her parents sell her through the amazing story of her life. Unexpectedly, it ends up being a commentary on slavery of all kinds. I would read it again.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Alan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent