Absolutely Geisha are not prostitutes - a common misconception. So man7y peopple are so very wrong about the actual role of the Geisha, they were trained 'artists' and not just in the art of satisfying a man because many of them never even slept with their clients.

They were hired for their skills - comedy, acting, singing, dancing, etc.

A great book to read, fictional but with great truths, is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. It's been mentioned in the messageboards before so hopefully W puts it up because it really is a gorgeous book and goes deep into the history of the Geisha.

Thank you for your wonderful review Linda, I very much enjoyed it although I can't say the same for all of Bryce Courtenay's novels - many, not all. Perhaps I will give Fishing for Stars a go.

Wendy