The novel follows the life of Hikaru Genji, the second son of the emperor, as he navigates the complexities of court politics and his many love affairs.
Considered to be the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji was written in the early 11th century Heian period of Japan. The novel follows the life of Hikaru Genji, the second son of the emperor, as he navigates the complexities of court politics and his many love affairs. As a high-standing noblewoman, lady-in-waiting and renowned poet, Lady Murasaki was able to weave in her personal experiences and observations to depict Heian life, making this gorgeous novel a crucial historical document as well.