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Secrets From the Hidden House #1
The Geisha with the Green Eyes: A Historical Romance Novel
By 1850, Japan had been closed to the outside world for centuries. It was a secret world. A hidden world.
And deep within that hidden world was the Yoshiwari in Edo (now Tokyo). Yoshiwara − "The Floating World". The centre of pleasure, for those men who could afford it. The place where hardly any demand was too strange, too bizarre, to find satisfaction.
And − like a carved ivory ball where another world nestles within another world within another world − inside The Floating World was the Hidden House.
The place that only a select few knew about. The place where only the very rich could satisfy their innermost desires. The place where nothing, nothing at all, was forbidden. The place where the geisha were ….special. Very special.
And in the Hidden House lived Midori No Me − The Geisha with Green Eyes. Even by the standards of the Hidden House, she was unique. Half Japanese, half foreign Barbarian. Born to slavery in the Hidden House when her geisha mother ran away with her foreign Barbarian lover, she grew up knowing no other world.
Trained from childhood to dedicate her life to serving the wealthy patrons of the Hidden House. Defiled at 13 when her virginity was sold to the highest bidder; a man old enough to be her grandfather.
Possessed by the greatest actor in the Edo Kabuki theatre. Stolen from him by the most powerful Yakuza in Edo.
Midori Ne Me. The geisha who knew only what she had been taught - how to give pleasure to men. The geisha who dared to use those skills to throw off the shackles she was born to wear.
Midori No Me. The geisha who escaped from the Floating World.
Midori No Me. The Geisha with Green Eyes.
And deep within that hidden world was the Yoshiwari in Edo (now Tokyo). Yoshiwara − "The Floating World". The centre of pleasure, for those men who could afford it. The place where hardly any demand was too strange, too bizarre, to find satisfaction.
And − like a carved ivory ball where another world nestles within another world within another world − inside The Floating World was the Hidden House.
The place that only a select few knew about. The place where only the very rich could satisfy their innermost desires. The place where nothing, nothing at all, was forbidden. The place where the geisha were ….special. Very special.
And in the Hidden House lived Midori No Me − The Geisha with Green Eyes. Even by the standards of the Hidden House, she was unique. Half Japanese, half foreign Barbarian. Born to slavery in the Hidden House when her geisha mother ran away with her foreign Barbarian lover, she grew up knowing no other world.
Trained from childhood to dedicate her life to serving the wealthy patrons of the Hidden House. Defiled at 13 when her virginity was sold to the highest bidder; a man old enough to be her grandfather.
Possessed by the greatest actor in the Edo Kabuki theatre. Stolen from him by the most powerful Yakuza in Edo.
Midori Ne Me. The geisha who knew only what she had been taught - how to give pleasure to men. The geisha who dared to use those skills to throw off the shackles she was born to wear.
Midori No Me. The geisha who escaped from the Floating World.
Midori No Me. The Geisha with Green Eyes.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2015
277 people are currently reading
893 people want to read
About the author
India Millar
41 books249 followersWith 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 19, 2016
The title and cover captured my attention, and the setting. Sadly, this dark tale of a half-Japanese, half-European girl raised in a tea house was mostly jumbled. It is first person narrative, though Midori seemed displaced from all the horrors she and others endured. At times, she came off as downright foolish and stupid, without any common sense. For years she is brainwashed to believe she is deformed and hideous because of her mixed-blood and European features. There is no knowledge of the outside world.
All the women in the tea house are victims, and a few would be considered freaks. They delude themselves into believing that their life is not the worst. They could be wives or outcaste or prostitutes sold on the public street. Opium addiction, abuse, and enslavement to never-ending debt are what happens to these women. The women have no control over their lives or what happens to them. Yes, it was the social setting of Japan and their reality. Yet, the attempts to empower Midori No Me and the others was either misplaced or half-hearted.
It makes me ask: What was the point of having a bi-racial heroine? Born and raised in a tea house? She could have just as easily been fully Japanese and endured the same hardships and horrors in a different setting outside the Floating City.
Word of warning. Midori encounters some very distasteful, demeaning things in this book. So for those who have triggers and not a strong stomach, beware. The abuse and extremism inflicted on her by the male antagonist (the yakuza Akira) was a tool to make her lover seem all the more heroic and to keep her from falling in love with the mobster. I think it would have been more interesting if Akira was less one dimensional as a villain. Her lover wasn't that awesome in comparison since he abandoned her more than once, and to Akira's vileness.
This story is 2 1/2 stars because some of the research is decent and interesting. The ending is HEA but predictable. There is a long, long run of dialogue explaining everything about Midori's past and present. I wish the author would have shown more than recounted. My biggest issue is that although Midori finds out the truth about her parents, there is no reconciliation. And she seems content with it and all that follows her HEA.
Not a bad effort, but still a bit of a disappointment.
All the women in the tea house are victims, and a few would be considered freaks. They delude themselves into believing that their life is not the worst. They could be wives or outcaste or prostitutes sold on the public street. Opium addiction, abuse, and enslavement to never-ending debt are what happens to these women. The women have no control over their lives or what happens to them. Yes, it was the social setting of Japan and their reality. Yet, the attempts to empower Midori No Me and the others was either misplaced or half-hearted.
It makes me ask: What was the point of having a bi-racial heroine? Born and raised in a tea house? She could have just as easily been fully Japanese and endured the same hardships and horrors in a different setting outside the Floating City.
Word of warning. Midori encounters some very distasteful, demeaning things in this book. So for those who have triggers and not a strong stomach, beware. The abuse and extremism inflicted on her by the male antagonist (the yakuza Akira) was a tool to make her lover seem all the more heroic and to keep her from falling in love with the mobster. I think it would have been more interesting if Akira was less one dimensional as a villain. Her lover wasn't that awesome in comparison since he abandoned her more than once, and to Akira's vileness.
This story is 2 1/2 stars because some of the research is decent and interesting. The ending is HEA but predictable. There is a long, long run of dialogue explaining everything about Midori's past and present. I wish the author would have shown more than recounted. My biggest issue is that although Midori finds out the truth about her parents, there is no reconciliation. And she seems content with it and all that follows her HEA.
Not a bad effort, but still a bit of a disappointment.
August 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this novel. When I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. There is something about Millar's writing style that just keeps you going. It's not perfect, but I think Millar is an author to watch as her writing will improve over time. The book has a lot of sexual content, but the romance isn't that strong. The ending was also quite rushed. But the story is really interesting and it made me want to read more.
August 22, 2016
I really liked this book. It is Heat Level 5 (!) so be aware of that. The book is a bit long, nearly 400 pages, but it reads so quickly! The main story is interesting, but Millar weaves in half a dozen stories of different characters, and they are all fascinating. The ending is a bit deus ex machina, so I would have liked to have seen the heroine have more agency over what happens at the end, but the rest of the book was a very enjoyable read. I would love to see a sequel. It doesn’t exactly set one up, but the story could easily continue.
August 20, 2016
I have to be honest and say I didn't enjoy this book for many reason. First of all the use of Geisha in this book. the girls at Hidden House were not Geisha, they were misfits and sold to Danna's or patrons for sex only, not for entertainment as Geisha are. The girls were glorified prostitutes and not true geisha. Midori was 13 in this book and she starts off as a quivering virgin and within a few short months she becomes an accomplished lover. She is instantly attracted to any man that comes her way and thinks she is in love with them. She also thinks and speaks above what a 13 year old would.
The whole story of her being part Barbarian is plausible during that time in Japan. The storyline is reasonably paced but the ending was a bit rushed, as if the writer was trying to wrap it up quickly for some reason.
This book tried to hard be something it wasn't. It was set in the backdrop of Japan and the over usage of near constant sex made it more of an erotic book that anything else. This whole book just irked me. I had almost given up on it a few times but plodded anyway. I know it's a work of fiction but I feel that at least some research should be done on the writers part.
1.5 stars for this one
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The whole story of her being part Barbarian is plausible during that time in Japan. The storyline is reasonably paced but the ending was a bit rushed, as if the writer was trying to wrap it up quickly for some reason.
This book tried to hard be something it wasn't. It was set in the backdrop of Japan and the over usage of near constant sex made it more of an erotic book that anything else. This whole book just irked me. I had almost given up on it a few times but plodded anyway. I know it's a work of fiction but I feel that at least some research should be done on the writers part.
1.5 stars for this one
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 23, 2019
When I first started to read this book, I did not expect that much, but all I can say is that I am very surprised how good it is, a strong story line that works, I agree with other reviewers that the romance side is less than expected, A book highlighting the life style Japan during the period. and the duties expected and thrust upon certain women in a country and period were men rule. Not my usual genre of book, but I did enjoy it, and would read more of the authors work, well worth a read, no editorial errors that I could see, the ending was adequate. In general a decent book.
January 7, 2017
I enjoy romances that explore Asian history and give me a glimpse into another time and place and culture. While The Geisha With the Green Eyes is not heavy on authenticity when it comes to her heroine's situation and the whole idea of the Hidden Palace of women- which the author clearly states in her opening that she planned to deviate- the overall events and tone did give a glimpse of the entertainment and pleasure community of 1850s Edo (Tokyo) just as the Shogun era is ending. The colorful and restricted world for a Geisha-style woman coming into her own was a captivating read.
The story opens with young Midori No Me (Green Eyes) begins her rite of passage as a pleasure worker of the Floating World of Edo when her virginity is sold to the highest bidder. Her experience is painful and leaves her miserable that now she will be forced to entertain more men like the one who purchased her virginity. Midori is not a slave in the traditional sense as she can buy her freedom and her debt is for her upkeep and provisions, but the likelihood of anything short of a rich benefactor making her his personal mistress and buying her debt, is slim.
Midori is not a traditional Geisha like those who live across the courtyard. She and the other women of the Hidden House all possess some sort of difference and are thought of as freaks in some way and cater to men of diverse taste. Midori is half-barbarian and has the hair color and eyes of her barbarian father. She knows this is why her parents abandoned her to auntie and the Hidden House. Her very differences are what make her fascinating to the men who come and she must cater to their every kinky whim.
But then her life is changed when the greatest actor of the kabuki theater sees her and he is interested for more than one appointment. Envy comes from others and the unwelcoming attentions of a crime lord work to destroy her hope and happiness. She had dared to dream of freedom, but she should have known that freedom was not for the likes of her.
Alright, as I said, this one is set in historic Japan of the 1850s. Women of any class and caste are considered less than men. The Geisha Houses are where the artists, musicians, and poets congregate as well as men of power and enterprise. But this story is somewhat different in that the author invents a hybrid geisha-courtesan group where Midori and the others are called Geishas, but they also take the entertainment into the bedroom.
And whew boy, does it ever take it into the bedroom. This story is erotic and descriptive where pretty much anything goes though not all happens to Midori herself. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but after a while, the erotic scenes got boring and I was skimming. Some of the sexual descriptions made me cringe (not b/c they were explicit, but b/c 'bursting his fruit' and others leave me with the wrong visual). I didn't need several scenes of Midori and her johns to get the idea and I just wanted the plot to move forward.
Midori herself is an interesting character full of depth and growth. She is relatively ignorant as her experiences have never extended to much of an education or beyond the walls of the Hidden House. The women and men who share her fate are the only family she has, but only one earns her trust as friend. She has to learn about the world beyond the Hidden House and how the events from outside begin the change to her situation. While she learns about events and affairs beyond her home, she also gets quite the education about men. She is intuitive which makes her good at what she does, but being good at pleasing men and possessing an inquisitive and sometimes fiery nature also brings its own mishaps and sorrows as well as triumphs.
The romance in this one is on the back shelf compared to Midori's individual story. It was developed, but also not developed enough though it has a fairy tale quality to it. I was actually confused at one point who she was in a romance with or if there was to be a love triangle, but that didn't last long.
Other than some pacing issues, I did feel a little disappointment that at the end some things were left open leaving me to wonder what happened with those situations. But overall, this was a bittersweet, but ultimately triumphant historical erotic romance that I would recommend to those who like heat with their history.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with young Midori No Me (Green Eyes) begins her rite of passage as a pleasure worker of the Floating World of Edo when her virginity is sold to the highest bidder. Her experience is painful and leaves her miserable that now she will be forced to entertain more men like the one who purchased her virginity. Midori is not a slave in the traditional sense as she can buy her freedom and her debt is for her upkeep and provisions, but the likelihood of anything short of a rich benefactor making her his personal mistress and buying her debt, is slim.
Midori is not a traditional Geisha like those who live across the courtyard. She and the other women of the Hidden House all possess some sort of difference and are thought of as freaks in some way and cater to men of diverse taste. Midori is half-barbarian and has the hair color and eyes of her barbarian father. She knows this is why her parents abandoned her to auntie and the Hidden House. Her very differences are what make her fascinating to the men who come and she must cater to their every kinky whim.
But then her life is changed when the greatest actor of the kabuki theater sees her and he is interested for more than one appointment. Envy comes from others and the unwelcoming attentions of a crime lord work to destroy her hope and happiness. She had dared to dream of freedom, but she should have known that freedom was not for the likes of her.
Alright, as I said, this one is set in historic Japan of the 1850s. Women of any class and caste are considered less than men. The Geisha Houses are where the artists, musicians, and poets congregate as well as men of power and enterprise. But this story is somewhat different in that the author invents a hybrid geisha-courtesan group where Midori and the others are called Geishas, but they also take the entertainment into the bedroom.
And whew boy, does it ever take it into the bedroom. This story is erotic and descriptive where pretty much anything goes though not all happens to Midori herself. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but after a while, the erotic scenes got boring and I was skimming. Some of the sexual descriptions made me cringe (not b/c they were explicit, but b/c 'bursting his fruit' and others leave me with the wrong visual). I didn't need several scenes of Midori and her johns to get the idea and I just wanted the plot to move forward.
Midori herself is an interesting character full of depth and growth. She is relatively ignorant as her experiences have never extended to much of an education or beyond the walls of the Hidden House. The women and men who share her fate are the only family she has, but only one earns her trust as friend. She has to learn about the world beyond the Hidden House and how the events from outside begin the change to her situation. While she learns about events and affairs beyond her home, she also gets quite the education about men. She is intuitive which makes her good at what she does, but being good at pleasing men and possessing an inquisitive and sometimes fiery nature also brings its own mishaps and sorrows as well as triumphs.
The romance in this one is on the back shelf compared to Midori's individual story. It was developed, but also not developed enough though it has a fairy tale quality to it. I was actually confused at one point who she was in a romance with or if there was to be a love triangle, but that didn't last long.
Other than some pacing issues, I did feel a little disappointment that at the end some things were left open leaving me to wonder what happened with those situations. But overall, this was a bittersweet, but ultimately triumphant historical erotic romance that I would recommend to those who like heat with their history.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2015
In Geisha With Green Eyes, nineteenth century Tokyo (called Edo, in the Floating World that was Japan in those days), comes alive with suspense and enough torrid romance to satisfy even the most prurient of readers.
A masterpiece of good storytelling with meticulous attention to detail, Geisha With Green Eyes is an historical romance of the first order, with a strong central female character that you will quickly come to care deeply about.
Midori No Me is the Geisha With Green Eyes -- the product of a union between a famous Geisha and a red-haired Englishman, raised from birth in The Hidden House, adjacent to The Green Tea House, each one housing beautiful and delicate geisha and courtesans available for the pleasure and amusement of men.
For it is a world ruled by men -- make no mistake. The author does a wonderful job of painting her characters with just the right amount of resignation and fierce pride that ruled the days -- and nights -- of these remarkable women.
Midori is supported by an enchanting ensemble of memorable women who share her fate -- to be ready and willing to pleasure the men who visit The Hidden House. And pleasure them they do, in the most explicit ways.
The book is essentially a well-plotted tale of romance and intrigue as Midori No Me tries to find true love among the near-constant stream of "clients" who frequent the establishment ruled by a domineering Japanese madam known as Auntie, and policed by a pair of muscle-bound male Geisha named Big and Bigger (I'll leave it to you to figure out how they got their names.)
Here's a sample of the writing style employed so well by the author:
"Danjuro put his hands on my shoulders, his thumbs digging into the base of my neck. I felt his strength, could almost smell his desire. I trembled, wanting him to take me any way he wished . . ."
Midori visits the Kabuki Theatre, where her beloved Danjuro is the lead actor. She longs to perform onstage alongside him, but this, of course, is only one of the many roles forbidden in this feudal society. Of equal importance is the submissive posture that must be assumed by all women in nineteenth century Japan -- a fact that seems foreign to those of us brought up to accept women as equals today.
At first, the use of so many Japanese terms without explanation is a little disconcerting, forcing the reader to quickly accept the terms and move on as the action heats up. But after awhile, the many references become just a part of the unfolding story, riveting the reader literally to his or her chair.
I give Geisha With Green Eyes five stars and recommend it to anyone who likes their romance unequivocally steamy.
A masterpiece of good storytelling with meticulous attention to detail, Geisha With Green Eyes is an historical romance of the first order, with a strong central female character that you will quickly come to care deeply about.
Midori No Me is the Geisha With Green Eyes -- the product of a union between a famous Geisha and a red-haired Englishman, raised from birth in The Hidden House, adjacent to The Green Tea House, each one housing beautiful and delicate geisha and courtesans available for the pleasure and amusement of men.
For it is a world ruled by men -- make no mistake. The author does a wonderful job of painting her characters with just the right amount of resignation and fierce pride that ruled the days -- and nights -- of these remarkable women.
Midori is supported by an enchanting ensemble of memorable women who share her fate -- to be ready and willing to pleasure the men who visit The Hidden House. And pleasure them they do, in the most explicit ways.
The book is essentially a well-plotted tale of romance and intrigue as Midori No Me tries to find true love among the near-constant stream of "clients" who frequent the establishment ruled by a domineering Japanese madam known as Auntie, and policed by a pair of muscle-bound male Geisha named Big and Bigger (I'll leave it to you to figure out how they got their names.)
Here's a sample of the writing style employed so well by the author:
"Danjuro put his hands on my shoulders, his thumbs digging into the base of my neck. I felt his strength, could almost smell his desire. I trembled, wanting him to take me any way he wished . . ."
Midori visits the Kabuki Theatre, where her beloved Danjuro is the lead actor. She longs to perform onstage alongside him, but this, of course, is only one of the many roles forbidden in this feudal society. Of equal importance is the submissive posture that must be assumed by all women in nineteenth century Japan -- a fact that seems foreign to those of us brought up to accept women as equals today.
At first, the use of so many Japanese terms without explanation is a little disconcerting, forcing the reader to quickly accept the terms and move on as the action heats up. But after awhile, the many references become just a part of the unfolding story, riveting the reader literally to his or her chair.
I give Geisha With Green Eyes five stars and recommend it to anyone who likes their romance unequivocally steamy.
December 1, 2024
Yes, there are a lot of sex-scenes, so when that makes you uncomfortable or it annoys you: don't read this book.
I don't mind, as long as it is a part of the story. And it is. It is an essential part of these geishas' lifes. Whether they like it or not. Life outside The Hidden House in Japan in those days was not necessary better for women. Shocking, to see women treated as property of their fathers, husbands or 'Aunties'.
Even more shocking: for a lot of women in the world life is still like that... Something to think about...
I really loved this story about an interesting way of life. With great (and not so great) characters.
I received a copy from Booksprout and chose to review it.
I don't mind, as long as it is a part of the story. And it is. It is an essential part of these geishas' lifes. Whether they like it or not. Life outside The Hidden House in Japan in those days was not necessary better for women. Shocking, to see women treated as property of their fathers, husbands or 'Aunties'.
Even more shocking: for a lot of women in the world life is still like that... Something to think about...
I really loved this story about an interesting way of life. With great (and not so great) characters.
I received a copy from Booksprout and chose to review it.
August 20, 2016
Mixed reviews on this one. I will quickly say that it felt like borderline erotica that was poorly executed. I also think that at the start that the writing style was mimic of the writing style of "Memories of a Geisha", but where in MoaG it felt authentic, in this novel it just felt amateurish and childish.
Also you had the main character that was obviously powerful in her own right, and at times, she seemed to know this, but most of the time she was still dogeza with the other girls. SHe plainly knew the workings of the culture as it was all she knew...She noted the powers that some of the girls had over the others and noted the powers that her "auntie" had...even though men were always in power at the end of the day...however, it still bothered me that she seemed so subservient to everyone, even though she, in her own right, was put into several positions of power by some of her patrons.
Many times I wanted to put this novel down and place it in my DNF column. There are many parts of the story I would have liked to seen handled differently.
However, at the end of the day, I wanted to see what happened at the end of the story. At the end of the day I think there was some great potential here to make a mediocre novel into something that was very good. Yes it fell short, but I spent a great deal of time imagining and thinking about this novel when I wasn't reading it. I just couldn't manage to put it aside and felt compelled to finish it. I didn't want to walk away and leave it undone. That in itself is something. I have to give credit where credit is due. No it wasn't written as I wished it had, some parts of it I found silly even, but despite all of that, I had to finish it and I am glad that I did.
Not my best read of the year, but certainly not my worst either...
Review copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review
Also you had the main character that was obviously powerful in her own right, and at times, she seemed to know this, but most of the time she was still dogeza with the other girls. SHe plainly knew the workings of the culture as it was all she knew...She noted the powers that some of the girls had over the others and noted the powers that her "auntie" had...even though men were always in power at the end of the day...however, it still bothered me that she seemed so subservient to everyone, even though she, in her own right, was put into several positions of power by some of her patrons.
Many times I wanted to put this novel down and place it in my DNF column. There are many parts of the story I would have liked to seen handled differently.
However, at the end of the day, I wanted to see what happened at the end of the story. At the end of the day I think there was some great potential here to make a mediocre novel into something that was very good. Yes it fell short, but I spent a great deal of time imagining and thinking about this novel when I wasn't reading it. I just couldn't manage to put it aside and felt compelled to finish it. I didn't want to walk away and leave it undone. That in itself is something. I have to give credit where credit is due. No it wasn't written as I wished it had, some parts of it I found silly even, but despite all of that, I had to finish it and I am glad that I did.
Not my best read of the year, but certainly not my worst either...
Review copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review
November 22, 2017
Fascinating insight into a a different world
I've read many books on this culture Every popular author and then more again. This was different I suspected many times an errotic glimpse and admired the female tenacity but the tree of flesh is etched on my brain now Occasionally the odd slip made me think it was over romanticized for the reader. But fifty shades is tame compared to this needless to say I was engrossed Where's the next one?? Characters where wonderful and I rattled through this in a few night. Errotic certainly enjoyable very much Its not all sex though I was terrified in parts not knowing what would happen next Great read.
I've read many books on this culture Every popular author and then more again. This was different I suspected many times an errotic glimpse and admired the female tenacity but the tree of flesh is etched on my brain now Occasionally the odd slip made me think it was over romanticized for the reader. But fifty shades is tame compared to this needless to say I was engrossed Where's the next one?? Characters where wonderful and I rattled through this in a few night. Errotic certainly enjoyable very much Its not all sex though I was terrified in parts not knowing what would happen next Great read.
January 22, 2018
The culture of Japan and geisha in particular is a mystery to many westerners. This book will undoubtedly be compared to "Memoirs of a Geisha" since that is really the standard by which these types of books are compared. This one is part of a 2 book series and it is compelling in its subject matter. It's not always pretty, but it seems that the subject of geisha is treated fairly. The writing itself is good, but could be better since there are some mistakes that are pretty obvious like lags in the story or editing issues. With a little more work, this will be a 5 star story.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 1, 2018
The Geisha with the Green Eyes is reminiscent of Memoirs of a Geisha, yet tells of the seedier side. Told from Midori's point of view, she tells of the particular house that she lives in, which is designated for Geishas that have some sort of deformity. Along the lines of Memoirs of a Geisha, she finds Danjuro, a man who is as fascinated with her as she with him. But as I've said, this book veers greatly in comparison with it.I felt the book was at times a bit repetitive, telling the same bits and pieces multiple times, which didn't help to forward the plot at all, but overall it was a good read.
February 26, 2018
I was really excited to read this book as I loved Memoirs of a Geisha but this book is so differently not what I expected. I loved that there was great detail and great historical view of a characters and traditionals. I did find that the villain is a little simple and one dimensional. I wish the hero was a bit more heroic. I like the idea of a the unique Geisha house but I wanted more from the extended characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2017
The Geisha with the Green Eyes by India Millar is an interesting and unique historical romance. It is gritty, raw, explicit and at times ugly. It will not appeal to all because of some subject matter. It is the harsh, harrowing and heartbreaking tale of Midori No Me. The story begins when she is thirteen years old and starts working as a pleasure worker at a pleasure house. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
February 28, 2018
Wow. This book has so much to it that it is hard to put down. The matter of factness of the geishas and their interactions with each other was pretty interesting to read about. I wasn't sure what to expect but I have to say it was one of the most captiving reads.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2017
this story will make you wonder how the men can live with themselves by forcing themselves on them but one has dreams which she must keep hidden. will she be able to do what she wants or will she be stuck
April 12, 2020
India Millar again takes us to the Floating World in Edo, Japan. This is a time of geisha and courtesans and deadly criminals and a few honorable men. We are given beautiful and descriptive details of Japanese customs and rituals. The story is about an orphan girl who grows up in a brothel and her journey in a very cruel world to the one man she loves. The characters are as engaging and vivid as the costumes they wear. Great read.
Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2020
For those who have read The Geisha Who Ran Away, this one is darker and has more sex scenes. Just warning if that bothers you. Midori is a half breed geisha living in the floating world. The plot itself was good and I am interested in seeing what the next book adds to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2020
The author writes with such details that it is easy to picture the events as if they are taking place right before the reader's eyes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2020
Floating world.
Bittersweet. This is the historical fiction of a half gaijin geisha. The writing is well done and lyrical as we enter the world of the geisha.uts foreign and has its own rules and often uncomfortable.
Purchased.
Bittersweet. This is the historical fiction of a half gaijin geisha. The writing is well done and lyrical as we enter the world of the geisha.uts foreign and has its own rules and often uncomfortable.
Purchased.
June 28, 2017
I logged in for the first time in years just to add this review.
The entire beginning of the story reads like a circus freak show of yellow fever. The girls in the “hidden house” are "special" because they’re abnormal- Carpi has no arms; her hands sprout from her shoulders, Naruko is a Chinese girl with bound feet, Masaki is so tiny she isn’t even three feet tall, Kiku is so obese she needs assistance standing up, Suzume can’t feel pain, and Midori is a “barbarian” half-Asian with red hair and green eyes. And apparently, “Carpi” means “Koi” but “Carpi” doesn’t mean ANYTHING in Japanese; koi is the Japanese word for carp. Millar says she writes “strong characters,” and Midori is a survivor in the end, but only through assistance from others. She does very, very little of her own accord to achieve the life she wants. Some might argue that is because she is a slave to others because of her circumstances, but that’s bullshit in my opinion. Midori does an awful lot of wallowing in self pity for me to ever call her strong. The girls are always hiding/giggling behind fans, downcast eyes, and doing anything to please their patrons.
I doubt whether the author did any research on Japan, geisha, and the Edo period at all frankly. She has them whisking matcha tea as their everyday beverage- there are literally hundreds of different teas in Japan, matcha is not your everyday tea. She spells geta (japanese wooden sandals) as geti throughout the book, and has the characters eating ramen at one point. Newsflash: while ramen has very much come into its own as an iconic Japanese food, it is a modern adaption of Chinese cuisine. Like 1900’s modern; at least 32 years after the era when the story supposedly takes place. Traditional kaiseki would have been a far, far more appropriate choice. Kaiseki is still served at many establishments that offer entertainment by geiko and maiko today. At one point a kimono is described as embroidered with seed pearls, and I have never ever in my life seen a kimono embroidered with pearls. I even checked google in Japanese, and I found zero kimono embroidered with pearls.
Perhaps one of the most telling parts that the author lacked an understanding of geisha is when Midori is being made up for a dinner. She is assisted with the makeup on her eyes, brows, and lips first, before the white is applied to her neck and decolletage, when any makeup artist will tell you the white base will be first, everywhere. Then the kimono. Midori calls the kimono hers, but within the reality of the floating world, kimono and hair accessories all belong to the boarding house. They are borrowed items, passed on to each new generation of maiko. Carpi mentions that Midori’s breasts are too big in the kimono, which is of course why Japanese women with large breasts bind them when wearing kimono.
Each chapter begins with a sort of “zen” poem, “Blossoms tremble/ At the approach of winter/ As do I.” “Clouds blow across the sky/ Stars smile at them/ But what of me?” “The bone moon watches/ Without interest/ Does it see us?” Presumably to evoke the feelings and mystique of Midori’s world, but I mostly laughed at them. Author could’ve written haiku instead, and at least then I would feel they were more tied to the culture. Here, I’ll change the first one- “Winter falls softly/ I tremble with the blossoms/ At the changing world.”
I don’t even know if the author watched Memoirs of a Geisha- it has a scene where Mameha teaches Sayuri how to bow like a geisha, which does NOT include prayer hands, but that is precisely how Midori bows at one point. In Japan, prayer hands are for bowing when praying, not bowing when greeting.
If you have no knowledge of Japan or Japanese culture, or can simply suspend disbelief over blatant inaccuracies, then you might enjoy this book. It’s an easy read, no difficult vocab or anything, but kind of boring for the first half- it’s just a lot of the girls sleeping/ having orgies with different patrons.
At least I didn't pay money for this book. :P I need something to cleanse my brain now.
The entire beginning of the story reads like a circus freak show of yellow fever. The girls in the “hidden house” are "special" because they’re abnormal- Carpi has no arms; her hands sprout from her shoulders, Naruko is a Chinese girl with bound feet, Masaki is so tiny she isn’t even three feet tall, Kiku is so obese she needs assistance standing up, Suzume can’t feel pain, and Midori is a “barbarian” half-Asian with red hair and green eyes. And apparently, “Carpi” means “Koi” but “Carpi” doesn’t mean ANYTHING in Japanese; koi is the Japanese word for carp. Millar says she writes “strong characters,” and Midori is a survivor in the end, but only through assistance from others. She does very, very little of her own accord to achieve the life she wants. Some might argue that is because she is a slave to others because of her circumstances, but that’s bullshit in my opinion. Midori does an awful lot of wallowing in self pity for me to ever call her strong. The girls are always hiding/giggling behind fans, downcast eyes, and doing anything to please their patrons.
I doubt whether the author did any research on Japan, geisha, and the Edo period at all frankly. She has them whisking matcha tea as their everyday beverage- there are literally hundreds of different teas in Japan, matcha is not your everyday tea. She spells geta (japanese wooden sandals) as geti throughout the book, and has the characters eating ramen at one point. Newsflash: while ramen has very much come into its own as an iconic Japanese food, it is a modern adaption of Chinese cuisine. Like 1900’s modern; at least 32 years after the era when the story supposedly takes place. Traditional kaiseki would have been a far, far more appropriate choice. Kaiseki is still served at many establishments that offer entertainment by geiko and maiko today. At one point a kimono is described as embroidered with seed pearls, and I have never ever in my life seen a kimono embroidered with pearls. I even checked google in Japanese, and I found zero kimono embroidered with pearls.
Perhaps one of the most telling parts that the author lacked an understanding of geisha is when Midori is being made up for a dinner. She is assisted with the makeup on her eyes, brows, and lips first, before the white is applied to her neck and decolletage, when any makeup artist will tell you the white base will be first, everywhere. Then the kimono. Midori calls the kimono hers, but within the reality of the floating world, kimono and hair accessories all belong to the boarding house. They are borrowed items, passed on to each new generation of maiko. Carpi mentions that Midori’s breasts are too big in the kimono, which is of course why Japanese women with large breasts bind them when wearing kimono.
Each chapter begins with a sort of “zen” poem, “Blossoms tremble/ At the approach of winter/ As do I.” “Clouds blow across the sky/ Stars smile at them/ But what of me?” “The bone moon watches/ Without interest/ Does it see us?” Presumably to evoke the feelings and mystique of Midori’s world, but I mostly laughed at them. Author could’ve written haiku instead, and at least then I would feel they were more tied to the culture. Here, I’ll change the first one- “Winter falls softly/ I tremble with the blossoms/ At the changing world.”
I don’t even know if the author watched Memoirs of a Geisha- it has a scene where Mameha teaches Sayuri how to bow like a geisha, which does NOT include prayer hands, but that is precisely how Midori bows at one point. In Japan, prayer hands are for bowing when praying, not bowing when greeting.
If you have no knowledge of Japan or Japanese culture, or can simply suspend disbelief over blatant inaccuracies, then you might enjoy this book. It’s an easy read, no difficult vocab or anything, but kind of boring for the first half- it’s just a lot of the girls sleeping/ having orgies with different patrons.
At least I didn't pay money for this book. :P I need something to cleanse my brain now.
March 28, 2019
I received a Kindle version of this book free from the publisher for review, and I'll begin by telling you it has one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen! It's absolutely gorgeous and captures your attention right away.
I've never read a story based in Asian culture, so this was a refreshing change for me. I especially loved the language used by the characters. It was very unusual and perfect for the setting. There is a “Note From the Author” in the front of the book, which you should definitely read if, like me, you know almost nothing about Japanese history and culture. I enjoyed this book a great deal, but I have a few criticisms.
The first two and half pages are a lengthy explanation of terms that are part of the narrative, and seem out place. They belong in the Author's Note - in my opinion. The remainder of the first three chapters are spent entirely on a single incident. The end of the incident is told first as it is happening, then the beginning is told in flash back. I don't understand why it's told this way, and it's a bit tedious. I didn't think I was going to like this book at first because of that, but thankfully it picks right up from there and the rest of the book flows very well.
From chapter four on the story becomes interesting and picks up momentum as you read becoming more and more exciting. I read the second half of the book in one evening. The main character, Midori is a geisha and the equivalent of a high end call girl with a madame. She is a bit cheeky and rebellious in a world where it's dangerous, life threatening even, for a woman to be either, and no matter how hard she tries to hide this inclination, you simply cannot deny your own nature. At the end of the day you are, who you are, which can get you into trouble, save you, or both, which is something this novel demonstrates.
The setting is a much different world than we know here in the western hemisphere, but I never once felt lost or confused by these differences. The author did a wonderful job making the feel and mentality of the culture easy to understand and grasp. Though there were moments where I found myself laughing when I'm certain the author was not implying humor, this book is really quite serious for a romance novel. It is different (which I really liked) and adventurous and exciting and explicitly sexual. I am rarely ever turned off by explicit scenes (in fact I'm a fan of book naughtiness!), but in this case I felt the sex was somewhat gratuitous in places which put me off a little.
A bit of warning... this story portrays sexual violence and abuse. If you have difficulty with those themes, you should probably pass on this book. emnoir.wordpress.com
I've never read a story based in Asian culture, so this was a refreshing change for me. I especially loved the language used by the characters. It was very unusual and perfect for the setting. There is a “Note From the Author” in the front of the book, which you should definitely read if, like me, you know almost nothing about Japanese history and culture. I enjoyed this book a great deal, but I have a few criticisms.
The first two and half pages are a lengthy explanation of terms that are part of the narrative, and seem out place. They belong in the Author's Note - in my opinion. The remainder of the first three chapters are spent entirely on a single incident. The end of the incident is told first as it is happening, then the beginning is told in flash back. I don't understand why it's told this way, and it's a bit tedious. I didn't think I was going to like this book at first because of that, but thankfully it picks right up from there and the rest of the book flows very well.
From chapter four on the story becomes interesting and picks up momentum as you read becoming more and more exciting. I read the second half of the book in one evening. The main character, Midori is a geisha and the equivalent of a high end call girl with a madame. She is a bit cheeky and rebellious in a world where it's dangerous, life threatening even, for a woman to be either, and no matter how hard she tries to hide this inclination, you simply cannot deny your own nature. At the end of the day you are, who you are, which can get you into trouble, save you, or both, which is something this novel demonstrates.
The setting is a much different world than we know here in the western hemisphere, but I never once felt lost or confused by these differences. The author did a wonderful job making the feel and mentality of the culture easy to understand and grasp. Though there were moments where I found myself laughing when I'm certain the author was not implying humor, this book is really quite serious for a romance novel. It is different (which I really liked) and adventurous and exciting and explicitly sexual. I am rarely ever turned off by explicit scenes (in fact I'm a fan of book naughtiness!), but in this case I felt the sex was somewhat gratuitous in places which put me off a little.
A bit of warning... this story portrays sexual violence and abuse. If you have difficulty with those themes, you should probably pass on this book. emnoir.wordpress.com
July 24, 2019
Went through a quarter of the book, and I couldn't take any more of it. This is "Memoirs of a Geisha" meets "American Horror Story - Freakshow".
Leaving aside the lack of originality in the Japanese/geisha details, the main character herself is annoying as hell, because besides being flat she is also out of context with the times and society: "None of the incredibly expensive courtesan’s nightingale dung face cream for me! [...] I was grateful I wasn’t rich enough for it be used on me. The thought of rubbing unguent made from bird droppings into my skin did nothing for my queasy stomach." She thinks and acts like an American teenager, all the while she is supposed to be born and raised Japanese. Her being "half-barbarian" does not even come to play in her identity, only when describing her looks. Would have been nice for her to "feel" her "barbarian" heritage, at least this would have been a reason to not fit in the culture.
Also, what is the point of giving us a certain important scene at the beginning (the mizuage), and then spend soooo much space, giving us aaaaaaall the tiiiiiny tiiiiiny details about how she got ready? The make up scene bore me out of my mind.
In the end, this is one of the very few books I put down well before the end. Both the story and the writing was so out of character for a story set in Japan that I felt it was a waste of time.
Leaving aside the lack of originality in the Japanese/geisha details, the main character herself is annoying as hell, because besides being flat she is also out of context with the times and society: "None of the incredibly expensive courtesan’s nightingale dung face cream for me! [...] I was grateful I wasn’t rich enough for it be used on me. The thought of rubbing unguent made from bird droppings into my skin did nothing for my queasy stomach." She thinks and acts like an American teenager, all the while she is supposed to be born and raised Japanese. Her being "half-barbarian" does not even come to play in her identity, only when describing her looks. Would have been nice for her to "feel" her "barbarian" heritage, at least this would have been a reason to not fit in the culture.
Also, what is the point of giving us a certain important scene at the beginning (the mizuage), and then spend soooo much space, giving us aaaaaaall the tiiiiiny tiiiiiny details about how she got ready? The make up scene bore me out of my mind.
In the end, this is one of the very few books I put down well before the end. Both the story and the writing was so out of character for a story set in Japan that I felt it was a waste of time.
August 3, 2016
I started The Geisha with the Green Eyes with much anticipation. I loved Memoirs of a Geisha, so I was eager to read more historical romance about the practice, and the cover inspired me even more. A well-constructed story, with memorable characters, I found the novel an easy read, and kept going back to it after having put it down. I liked Midori’s character and found her struggles real in the Floating World. However, my favorite character ended up being Carpi, the poor geisha with shortened arms. Her character was how I might imagine a geisha to feel; forced to entertain the outside world while feeling crushing sadness inside.
I feel though that the ending was rushed. There was a great build-up, but there could have been more substance. I do hope the author plans a sequel, as I would love to continue reading Midori’s journey. There are some violent scenes in this novel, some involving sexual context so any readers should be made aware of this. Otherwise, The Geisha with the Green Eyes was a solid four-star read for me. Well done!
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
I feel though that the ending was rushed. There was a great build-up, but there could have been more substance. I do hope the author plans a sequel, as I would love to continue reading Midori’s journey. There are some violent scenes in this novel, some involving sexual context so any readers should be made aware of this. Otherwise, The Geisha with the Green Eyes was a solid four-star read for me. Well done!
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
February 21, 2023
Midori No Me San is the geisha with the green eyes. Half white, and half Japanese, she is seen as a commodity in the floating world. A world where slavery and business ownership is blurred.
In this world Midori No Me goes from an apprentice maid to a geisha after her mizuage is sold to a bidder. She feels this is the end of her life. However, it is the beginning of her whole life.
She blossoms into womanhood, and feels at home in the floating world of Edo, now Tokyo. Evenings at the Hidden House are comprised of sisters, who are often times born in captivity.
When Midori No Me meets her danna Danjuro, and has an invitation to the kabuki theater her whole world is changed for the better. She gains confidence as men fall in love with her and her spirit. Her maid becomes a geisha as well, and when she is truly on her own without her trusted maid she actually grows wilder and more spirited.
This makes Arika, a gangster in Japan notice her, and gift her kimonos. When he starts to lose interest in her, and her beautiful world of sisterhood and kabuki are no longer, will she have the strength to find herself again?
In this world Midori No Me goes from an apprentice maid to a geisha after her mizuage is sold to a bidder. She feels this is the end of her life. However, it is the beginning of her whole life.
She blossoms into womanhood, and feels at home in the floating world of Edo, now Tokyo. Evenings at the Hidden House are comprised of sisters, who are often times born in captivity.
When Midori No Me meets her danna Danjuro, and has an invitation to the kabuki theater her whole world is changed for the better. She gains confidence as men fall in love with her and her spirit. Her maid becomes a geisha as well, and when she is truly on her own without her trusted maid she actually grows wilder and more spirited.
This makes Arika, a gangster in Japan notice her, and gift her kimonos. When he starts to lose interest in her, and her beautiful world of sisterhood and kabuki are no longer, will she have the strength to find herself again?
September 7, 2016
When the site NetGalley offered me the opportunity to read the book for free providing I took the time to write an honest review I was looking forward to a book set in historical Japan. A bit "Shogun" or that famous Geisha book. However this one turned out to be very different.
While normally Geisha's were highly trained ladies who entertained gentlemen but not went to bed with them in general apart from one they would be the mistress of, in this book Midori lives in a house that offers not only entertainment but also hot bodies for the taking. All the inhabitants of the Hidden House are somehow deformed and Midori as a halfblood is also regarded deformed.
The book is a long list of sleeping with men in all kind of forms or settings. Unfortunately the book lacks a background or description of the Geisha culture or the Japanese customs as a whole. So if you want a solid book dealing with a historic period do not buy it. If you want a steamy novel maybe this is your cup of Japanese tea.
While normally Geisha's were highly trained ladies who entertained gentlemen but not went to bed with them in general apart from one they would be the mistress of, in this book Midori lives in a house that offers not only entertainment but also hot bodies for the taking. All the inhabitants of the Hidden House are somehow deformed and Midori as a halfblood is also regarded deformed.
The book is a long list of sleeping with men in all kind of forms or settings. Unfortunately the book lacks a background or description of the Geisha culture or the Japanese customs as a whole. So if you want a solid book dealing with a historic period do not buy it. If you want a steamy novel maybe this is your cup of Japanese tea.
September 25, 2017
I am reminded of Amy Tan's Valley of Amazement when I read this, however this book is much cruder and didn't really capture Japanese history accurately. I know Amy Tan's is set in China but if I remember correctly it was roughly around the same time period and also the main character was mixed Chinese and American...Also growing up in a tea house of sorts.
This book while having an interesting cast, falls short of historical fiction. I want to believe the author attempted to research and some of the facts in here are not inaccurate, but I just am sad that something that held a lot of premise was just smushed by all the sex and incorrect information about Japan at that time and Geishas. The similarities to Amy Tan's book also makes me really think about this story and what it could have been. I know Amy Tan is one of those household names and it could be considered unfair to compare this work to hers, but I can't help it. I've seen the light, and I cannot accept this as a good book, even without the misrepresentation of Japanese culture.
This book while having an interesting cast, falls short of historical fiction. I want to believe the author attempted to research and some of the facts in here are not inaccurate, but I just am sad that something that held a lot of premise was just smushed by all the sex and incorrect information about Japan at that time and Geishas. The similarities to Amy Tan's book also makes me really think about this story and what it could have been. I know Amy Tan is one of those household names and it could be considered unfair to compare this work to hers, but I can't help it. I've seen the light, and I cannot accept this as a good book, even without the misrepresentation of Japanese culture.
September 10, 2016
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but sadly the only thing that just barely got me to the end was the plot.
The euphemisms used to describe body parts were far too distracting and most of the sex was a little too rough and some too violent to tickle my fancy.
Though the Author uses the term Geisha to describe the professions of her characters they are not true Geisha. She does give a disclaimer at the beginning of the book but I really wish she'd just used something more unique to call the girls in the Hidden House.
I have done a short Vlog review of this book located here: https://youtu.be/A7u3akRrkWI
A digital copy of this book was provided to me for free in return for an honest review.
The euphemisms used to describe body parts were far too distracting and most of the sex was a little too rough and some too violent to tickle my fancy.
Though the Author uses the term Geisha to describe the professions of her characters they are not true Geisha. She does give a disclaimer at the beginning of the book but I really wish she'd just used something more unique to call the girls in the Hidden House.
I have done a short Vlog review of this book located here: https://youtu.be/A7u3akRrkWI
A digital copy of this book was provided to me for free in return for an honest review.
September 27, 2016
"Geisha With Green Eyes" is kind of a strange book. The story sounded interesting enough following the life of a Geisha and courtesan at a time where Japan was starting to open up to Western culture. Unfortunatly, it just isn't well done. The story is weirdly disjointed with some plot strands being dropped and then picked up again much later and characters never getting enough development to fell real and sympathetic. What I really didn't like were the constant sex scenes with their weird and off-putting descriptions.
September 17, 2017
I couldn't oblige myself to finish it. Partly because as a Japan lover I thought I would have find this novel, even as a work of fiction, interesting, instead it was mostly wrong starting from the Geisha. Plus it was not even interesting or well written. Sorry.
Non sono riuscita ad obbligarmi a finirlo, fondamentalmente perché per quel poco che ho studiato sul Giappone le informazioni erano parziali e scorrette, secondo poi non era nemmeno interessante come storia e inoltre era pure scritto male. Peccato.
Non sono riuscita ad obbligarmi a finirlo, fondamentalmente perché per quel poco che ho studiato sul Giappone le informazioni erano parziali e scorrette, secondo poi non era nemmeno interessante come storia e inoltre era pure scritto male. Peccato.
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