I am torn between finding this very interesting, and suspecting that it seriously overestimates the power of these women. It is not uncommon to read a book asserting the power of (certain) women in a society where they are usually powerless. They may have been perceived as dangerous, but in the end, was this more of a danger than a source of power to them? Is a widow really empowered if her suicide brings blessings to her survivors? One cannot help but wonder, how common was it for a woman to achieve the influence being lauded? Was she always one lover away from destruction? Did this have any effect on the average woman? Cass does better than many authors, especially in dealing with the realities of a geisha's life. Cass tells us about women who did not fit into the the conventional norms for women. In the process, she mixes legends and fiction with reality. Religious leaders and intimate servants to the imperial family could achieve serious power, but of course this must have rested on influence with others, and I wonder how stable it was. Still very interesting for a glimpse at unusual people. ( )