82 pages • 2 hours read
Murasaki ShikibuThe Tale Of Genji
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1008A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Tale of Genji chronicles the life of Hikaru Genji, the son of Emperor Kiritsubo and a low-ranking courtesan, as he navigates political intrigue, numerous love affairs, societal expectations, and personal growth. The narrative highlights his favored youth, romantic entanglements, exile and return, and his eventual contemplation of a more isolated life.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji is hailed for its intricate narrative and rich characterization, offering profound insights into Heian-era court life. Critics commend its poetic language and emotional depth. However, its sprawling structure and archaic context can be challenging for modern readers, potentially hindering engagement with its timeless themes.
Who Should Read The Tale Of Genji?
A reader who would enjoy The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu is fascinated by historical Japanese culture, courtly romance, and complex character development. Comparable to fans of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy and Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, they appreciate richly detailed sagas and psychological insight into aristocratic life.