This is an Online Internet Book Club on The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru by Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt. Discuss this book, share your thoughts, make comments, ask questions, offer responses...
Description
Ichimaru (1906-1997) combined her experience as a geisha with an extraordinary talent as a vocalist and musician to become a unique figure in the social history of twentieth-century Japan. Determined to distinguish herself, she studied music with the best teachers to be found in Tokyo's "floating world," or pleasure district. Ichimaru secured a recording contract in 1931 and never looked back as she won international renown.
In keeping with the geisha tradition of elegant dress, Ichimaru accumulated a striking collection of kimono over the course of her long career. After her death, the collection was given to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. In this colorful, well-informed, and satisfying little book, three members of the gallery's curatorial staff tell lchimaru's life story and place it in the context of the floating world and the larger world of Japanese culture. They also provide detailed information on kimono construction, materials, dyeing and stitching techniques, styles and the cultural connotations evoked by those styles, and the secret language of kimono imagery. Color photographs accompany their descriptions, and Ichimaru's life is illustrated with color and black-and-white images.
Book Club Questions for The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru (Fiction)
Suggested Book Club Questions for The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru (Fiction)
The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru:
- Did Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt emphasize any specific themes throughout The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru? What do you think Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt is trying to explain with this theme?
- What was unique about the setting of The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru and how did it affect the storyline?
- Could you relate to any of the characters? If so, which ones and why?
- How do characters change or learn throughout The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru? What events caused these changes? Have you or someone you know experienced the same thing?
- How does The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru reveal Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt's own perspectives about people and the world? For a lively discussion, describe why you think Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt is liberal or conservative.
- Did certain parts of The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru affect you emotionally? Why did it evoke those emotions?
- Did Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt's point of view on things lend new perspective to your own view of the world?
Book Club Questions for The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru (for Non-Fiction)
Suggested Book Club Questions for The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru (Non-fiction)
The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru:
- Did Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt make persuasive arguments in The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru? Did The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru change or reinforce your opinion on the subject?
- What did you learn from The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru?
- How does Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt present the information and did you enjoy it?
- How is Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, Judith Patt biased within The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru? Is there a political slant to what is being discussed and how does it impact the book?
- What, if anything, does The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru make you want to read next? Why?
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