The Tale of Genji

by Murasaki Shikibu
The Tale of Genji cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Historical Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£27.00 Hardback • £30.00
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Technical
  • ID: 2410
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781101097397
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2006-02-28
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3

Written in the eleventh century, The Tale of Genji is celebrated as the world's first novel and remains one of its finest. This abridged edition focuses on the early chapters, vividly portraying Genji, the son of an emperor, as a young man navigating his tempestuous nature, love affairs, and shifting political fortunes. Royall Tyler's translation is praised for its poetic detail and faithfulness to the original Japanese text, making it accessible and captivating for modern readers. This edition includes detailed notes, glossaries, character lists, and chronologies, providing a rich context for the story. The Tale of Genji is not just a historical artifact but a contemporary treasure that continues to enchant readers with its exquisite portrayal of courtly life and human emotion.

Reviews
Reviews by Writers · Catherine Butler · 2025-09-22
multifaceted 4.00

The reviewer describes the novel as a multifaceted work that can be seen as a Bildungsroman, a story of manners, and a tragi-comic romance. They appreciate its aesthetic qualities and the way it blends different genres.

Catherine Butler sees 'The Tale of Genji' as a multifaceted work that defies easy categorization. She describes it as a Bildungsroman, a story of manners, a tragi-comic romance, and an essay in aesthetics, all rolled into one. Butler particularly admires the novel's ability to blend these different genres seamlessly, creating a rich and layered narrative that keeps readers engaged. She also notes the novel's aesthetic qualities, which she finds both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    We might call it a Bildungsroman, a story of manners, a tragi-comic romance, an essay in aesthetics, occasionally even a romp.

    The novel's ability to blend different genres seamlessly is truly impressive.

    The aesthetic qualities of the novel are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

henrykisor.com · 2024-05-04
captivating 5.00

The reviewer highly recommends this novel for its captivating and thought-provoking nature but cautions that it may not be suitable for everyone. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters and the intricate plot.

This reviewer finds 'The Tale of Genji' to be a deeply captivating and thought-provoking read. They highlight the novel's ability to engage readers with its richly drawn characters and intricate plotlines. However, they also caution that the book's complexity and cultural nuances might not appeal to all readers. They suggest that those who enjoy thought-provoking literature will find this novel particularly rewarding.

Quick quotes

    I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.

    The depth and complexity of the characters are truly remarkable.

    It is a book that invites readers to ponder and reflect long after the final page is turned.

The New York Times · 2023-12-07
powerful 4.50

The reviewer is struck by the powerful portrayal of women's thoughts and feelings, finding it particularly moving given the historical context. They appreciate the novel's timeless themes and its ability to resonate across centuries.

The reviewer is particularly moved by Murasaki Shikibu's portrayal of women's inner lives and emotions. They find it remarkable how the author conveys the complexities of human relationships and societal norms in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The reviewer also notes the novel's enduring relevance, highlighting its ability to speak to modern readers despite being over a thousand years old.

Quick quotes

    Ultimately, what made the story so powerful for me was the way Murasaki conveyed the women's thoughts and feelings.

    At the time of her writing, Murasaki Shikibu was breaking new ground in literature.

    The novel's themes of love, loss, and the passage of time are as relevant today as they were a millennium ago.

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