Chelsea Haywood

When I finished reading this book, I did spend a couple of instants asking myself why so many people gave it such a low rating. Personally, I didn't find it as bad as other people say it is.

90-Day Geisha is pretty much a diary. The title is self-explanatory: Chelsea Haywood, a young Canadian girl who has married not too long ago decides to go to Japan to work as a hostess. The first reaction was, of course, the cultural chock. After many conflicts, compliments and lessons for life, she slowly ends up making "bounds" with the people she meets in her work.

One aspect that I found interesting was Chelsea's point of view toward the Japanese and how she was gradually changing her own self as the narrative goes on. And also the fact that she includes several historical reports about Japan: why is there such a strong fascination for schoolgirls? Why do wealthy, relatively handsome married men paid to just talk to women? Why do Japanese have such shy behaviors compared to Westerners? Why do they take the blood compatibility into account?

Amidst detailed accounts of regular chatting and peculiar behaviors, the author inserts her own personal drama. The way her job seemed to affect her relationship. The psychological harassment her clients did to her.

What was missing in the book: a little bit more description about her impressions of the country. I feel like there was a lack of interest from the author towards the country's culture. This is easily noticed soon in the introduction, when she finishes it with a Japanese expression used right before the meals.

Overall, I actually liked this book. Not exactly what I'd call a "guide book for the Japanese culture", but it broaches several aspects of the "dark side" of Japan.… (más)