While the word epic is one that is often overused when describing books, this one truly deserves it. Both for its size ( my copy has 1120 pages just for the novel, with notes after that), for its scope and for its influence.

This is not a book to be started lightly - not only is it very, very long, it has a convoluted plot and is set in a period that even most Japanese people today don't understand. As Ivan Morris once said, things we traditionally think of as 'Japanese' such as No and Kabuki drama, Haiku, the tea ceremony, Zen Buddhism, tatami, large communal baths, sashimi and soy sauce, geisha - none of these things would have been familiar to the world of Genji as they all came some time after the period this book is set in. While the Royall Tyler comes with helpful notes and lots of footnotes (on almost every page) you would still do well to have on hand a guide to The Tale of Genji if you are going to understand even a little of what is going on.

But if you choose to persevere, be prepared for a long and strange ride. The title character, Genji, is really more of an anti-hero than anything else - he is vain, self-absorbed, causes all sorts of sorrow and dramas for those around him. There is a strong line of pathos throughout the story, though there are some chapters that are quite funny.

Why attempt the Tale of Genji? If you are thinking about reading it to get some understanding of Japanese culture, forget it, there are hundreds of other books that can do that for you. If you want to read an involving novel, you could probably do better elsewhere as this book is really hard going in places, and not one you read for pure enjoyment or an enthralling storyline. But if you want the satisfaction of reading one of the great epics of all time, or you want to find a book that will take you in to a totally alien environment and envelop you totally (if you will let it) then this book is worth the time and effort you give it. ( )

The Tale of Genji is a rare glimpse into eleventh century Japan. Murasaki Shikibu does a magnificent job describing the life at the imperial court. The story follows the life of Genji who is the son of the emperor, but his mother is of very low rank so he is unable to become an heir. Even though Genji cannot become an heir to the thrown he is the jewel of the imperial court, being talented in everything that was valued at the time including: poetry, dance, koto playing, and a keen eye for ascetics. Some could say that Genji is the equivalent of the European Renaissance man.The good looks that the people at court thought would lead to Genji having a short life, proved to be wrong and ended up turning Genji into s true ladies man. Most of the story is consumed by Genji's affairs, which can be a bit tiresome and confusing. Genji chose some rather unexpected characters to become his lovers including a little girl that he brings to the palace to shape into the perfect wife. One good thing about all of Genji's affairs is it gives the reader the chance to read many different Waka, which are two lined poems that would be exchanged between lovers.I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Japanese history, since it is written by someone who lived during the Heian period. This book is also good for anyone who truly enjoys classics because it is considered one of the WORLD's first novels. However if you don't mind lengthy books, I would recommend reading the unabridged version which has 54 chapters compared to the 12 available in this version. One plus to the abridged version is it is full of woodblock printings inspired by the novel. ( )

The Tale of Genji is a rare glimpse into eleventh century Japan. Murasaki Shikibu does a magnificent job describing the life at the imperial court. The story follows the life of Genji who is the son of the emperor, but his mother is of very low rank so he is unable to become an heir. Even though Genji cannot become an heir to the thrown he is the jewel of the imperial court, being talented in everything that was valued at the time including: poetry, dance, koto playing, and a keen eye for ascetics. Some could say that Genji is the equivalent of the European Renaissance man.

The good looks that the people at court thought would lead to Genji having a short life, proved to be wrong and ended up turning Genji into s true ladies man. Most of the story is consumed by Genji's affairs, which can be a bit tiresome and confusing. Genji chose some rather unexpected characters to become his lovers including a little girl that he brings to the palace to shape into the perfect wife. One good thing about all of Genji's affairs is it gives the reader the chance to read many different Waka, which are two lined poems that would be exchanged between lovers.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Japanese history, since it is written by someone who lived during the Heian period. This book is also good for anyone who truly enjoys classics because it is considered one of the WORLD's first novels. However if you don't mind lengthy books, I would recommend reading the unabridged version which has 54 chapters compared to the 12 available in this version. One plus to the abridged version is it is full of woodblock printings inspired by the novel. ( )

The Tale of Genji, what can you say? It might be considered the world's first psychological novel, but some consider it deadly boring, some consider it a soap opera set in Heian Japan, others can never get past Genji's so-called "Oedipus Complex." I find a wonderful, relaxing escape to a long ago society. Dig beneath the surface of Genji's numerous romantic escapades and you'll find that he really is a well drawn character, with as many flaws and merits. His journey is worth following.

If you are only going to read one translation of the Genji, make sure it's the Royall Tyler one. This is a beautiful, beautiful translation. Seidensticker can be rather dry, and Waley can have some rather jarring anachronism, but this one just flows so smoothly and is true to the somewhat intuitive style of the original Japanese.

This is also a book that you shouldn't read in a hurry. Take the time to savor it. Maybe even just a chapter here, a chapter there. Curl up with a cup of tea and just drift for a while. ( )