Maïnah answers “How certain can we be that what Mineko...”

T Huong asked this question about Geisha, a Life:

How certain can we be that what Mineko wrote in the novel about herself is true? A. Golden’s Memoirs of a Geisha is subjected to such scrutiny even though it is historical fiction, not historical fact, but a former geisha’s claim to be the greatest of her time isn’t? Why’s that?

Maïnah Well, firstly, Iwasaki wasn't the only person alive at the time. She has witnesses to her story, that would probably have discredited her if she claim…moreWell, firstly, Iwasaki wasn't the only person alive at the time. She has witnesses to her story, that would probably have discredited her if she claimed to be greater than she actually was. And as a geiko, I'd assume she knows more about their life than Golden.(less)

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