What is the Genji Monogatari by Murasaki Shikibu?
Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji) – Supposedly written by Murasaki Shikibu (Lady Murasaki) in the 11th century. Sometimes considered one of the first written novels. Plot: “The work recounts the life of a son of a Japanese emperor, known to readers as Hikaru Genji, or “Shining Genji”. […] For political reasons, Genji is relegated to commoner status (by being given the surname Minamoto) and begins a career as an imperial officer. The tale concentrates on Genji’s romantic life and describes the customs of the aristocratic society of the time. Much is made of Genji’s good looks.” Regardless of it’s position as a classic, it is still one of the most famous novels from Japan.
