The Intelligence: Growing, no pains

The novel tells the story of Chiyo Sakamoto, a young girl sold into slavery in the Gion district of Kyoto, who later becomes the renowned geisha Sayuri. The story spans 25 years, from 1929 to the post-World War II era, providing a glimpse into the secret world of geishas and Japan's history during that period. Sayuri's journey includes her harsh apprenticeship, the auction of her virginity, and her complex relationships with other geishas and patrons, particularly her unrequited love for a man known as the Chairman. The book explores themes of exploitation, cultural traditions, and the resilience of women in a highly controlled environment.