A great deal of things permeate the world that Murasaki Shikibu describes in "The Tale of Genji". Set in Heian Japan, circa 900, we are presented with the son of an emperor, born to a woman too low in social class to bear an heir. The child is removed from the royal family and made a Genji. The majority of "The Tale of Genji" chronicles his romantic interests and tribulations. The strength of the emotions and at times cruelty of the world the women of this book live in is striking, yet emotionally stirring at the same time

The realism and power of the words as presented by Murasaki Shikibu. We don't only read a story of a "Shining Prince" and all his tumultous love interests. We become a part of a world that rewards those with high standing, denies those inferior to others, and throughout all of its honesty and cruelty presents the true beauty of love and caring.

It's a really long book. That's about all I can say. It's a tough read and after a 1000 pages, no matter how much you enjoyed it, you'll be glad it's over. Repitition of themes and storylines are only monotonous in their length and scope.

Learn as much as I could about the Japanese culture. I read this for a class, and was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. It really grabbed on to me and pulled me into a culture and world that I wanted to learn as much about as possible.

Like the world isn't perfect, shouldn't be perfect and that life is too short to want it to be perfect. The mortality presented in the work is something that really grabbed onto me and shared a certain feeling with me. I enjoyed the way in which I was left to my own feelings for the characters, but still instilled with the inner sense of unimportance that permeates the characters in the book. It's realism is harsh but refreshing and oddly empowering.

Murasaki Shikibu is a oddly mysterious character from the world of Heian Japan. She was born into the Fujiwara line, the daughter of a provincial governor. She grew up extremely intelligent and even learned to read and write Chinese, something women weren't permitted to do in Heian Japan. When her husband died in 1001 she was brought to court in Heian and made an attendant to the Empress. She kept a diary for a couple of years, and soon went onto write "The Tale of Genji" The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in serial around the year 1008. The last 12 chapters are a mystery unto themselves, as there is debate as to whether Murasaki Shikibu actually wrote them or if they were added after her death.

It is one of the greatest accomplishments in literature I have yet to read. I would argue that it exists as the first novel and that as the first novel it is also one of the greatest. Any connoisseur of the written word should read this book. It's importance is only half as big as its greatness.

"The Tale of Genji" is a story of many things. Something that really leaps out and captures the emotions of those who read it. A national treasure in Japan, this novel is one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written. At times it assumes knowledge that modern audiences in the west are not privy to, but that knowledge is unnecessary in the shear enjoyment of such a great piece.

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Created Mar 27, 2003 at 8:55pm • Submit your own review...