The Tale of Genji, Volume 2

by Murasaki Shikibu, Dennis Washburn (Translation), Brian Nishii (Reading)

Murasaki Shikibu, born into the middle ranks of the aristocracy during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), wrote The Tale of Genji―widely considered the world's first novel―during the early years of the eleventh century. Expansive, compelling, and sophisticated in its representation of ethical concerns and aesthetic ideals, Murasaki's tale came to occupy a central place in Japan's remarkable history of artistic achievement and is now recognized as a masterpiece of world literature.

The Tale of Genji is presented here in a flowing new translation for contemporary listeners, who will discover in its depiction of the culture of the imperial court the rich complexity of human experience that simultaneously resonates with and challenges their own. Washburn embeds annotations for accessibility and clarity and renders the poetry into triplets to create prosodic analogues of the original.

Genres: Classics, Japan

1 pages, Audio CD

Published March 17, 2020

About the author

Murasaki Shikibu (Japanese: 紫式部), born around 978 in Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto), is widely celebrated as one of the most important and pioneering figures in Japanese literature. Though her real name is not definitively known, she is remembered by the sobriquet “Murasaki Shikibu,” a name derived from a combination of her most famous literary character, Murasaki, and her father’s official court position in the Bureau of Ceremonial (Shikibu-shō). This alias reflects both her literary contribution and her aristocratic lineage.
She was born into the prestigious Fujiwara family, though to a lesser branch that did not hold the most powerful positions in court. Her father, Fujiwara no Tametoki, was a scholar, poet, and provincial governor. Recognizing his daughter’s remarkable intellect, he allowed her to study Chinese classics, a field generally restricted to men in the Heian period. This early education proved foundational, setting her apart from many of her contemporaries and deeply influencing her literary style.
Murasaki married in her twenties, but her husband died shortly after their daughter was born. Following his death, she may have spent a period of seclusion before being summoned to court around 1005, where she entered the service of Empress Shōshi (also known as Fujiwara no Shōshi), the consort of Emperor Ichijō. In this environment of cultural refinement and political sophistication, Murasaki thrived, participating in the literary and poetic salons that were central to courtly life.
Her greatest and most enduring achievement is The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), a monumental narrative often hailed as the world’s first novel. Written in the early 11th century during her time at court, the work consists of fifty-four chapters and follows the life, loves, and descendants of the nobleman Hikaru Genji. With rich psychological insight, a deep understanding of human emotion, and elegant prose interwoven with more than 800 waka poems, The Tale of Genji offers a vivid depiction of Heian court culture, aesthetics, and the complex interplay of personal ambition, desire, and fate. It remains one of the central pillars of classical Japanese literature.
In addition to The Tale of Genji, Murasaki also wrote The Diary of Lady Murasaki (Murasaki Shikibu Nikki), a work of non-fiction that offers unique glimpses into the daily life of the court and her own thoughts and experiences. Unlike her fiction, her diary is often introspective and frank, providing invaluable context for understanding Heian society, the role of women, and the tensions she faced as both a court insider and a perceptive, occasionally critical observer of her surroundings.
Despite the limitations placed upon women during her time, Murasaki Shikibu’s writings reflect a striking depth of knowledge, not only in poetry and prose but also in Chinese classics and Buddhist philosophy. Her work was deeply shaped by the refined aesthetics of the Heian period, especially the concept of mono no aware—the awareness of the impermanence of things—which permeates The Tale of Genji and gives it a profound emotional resonance.
Murasaki Shikibu’s influence transcended her own time. Her works continued to be read, studied, and copied in the centuries that followed. She has been commemorated in literature, art, and even in religious tradition, and is still celebrated today as a cultural icon. Statues and memorials honor her across Japan, and The Tale of Genji has inspired countless translations, adaptations, and scholarly studies worldwide.
Her legacy endures not only because of the historical significance of her writing but also because of the timeless insight she offered into the human condition. Murasaki Shikibu remains a symbol of literary brilliance, intellectual resilience, and artistic sensitivity—a voice from a millennium ago that continues to speak across the ages.

Reviews

[Dpurpurea · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD GOD FINALLY. FINALLY. FIVE MONTHS IN.

The Tale of Genji is such a monumental work in terms of cultural impact that there's no real point to rating this. It's an ancient literary classic that invented the novel form and I'm just some guy.

It's incredible that Murasaki Shikibu's writing could weather a millenium and still make me want to commit acts of extreme violence against fictional characters. The sheer number of women that get sexually harassed to death had me seething. I wanted to kill every noble male character with a hydrogen bomb.

Hikaru Genji if I find you....

The connection I felt with every character, good or bad, is a testament to the astonishing psychological realism Murasaki Shikibu was able to capture. The social mores Heian imperial court are lightyears away from my own, but I still felt like I was there (and losing my MIND these fucking PEOPLE).

A masterpiece and a worthwhile read for anyone.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew this was a long one making W&P feel like a novella.
This is considered the first novel ever written and was released in serial form which accounts for the length and repetitive nature of Lady Murasuki’s writing. This novel brings us into the Heian Court which was highest level of society at this time in Japan some thousand years ago. It is a world where women had very little choices and men, well they seemed to enjoy themselves. There was little to do on a daily basis , so this novel must have been quite a treat for the women. It reflects Lady Murasuki’s observations which today seem all together obscene. I kept wondering were there no STDs then?
Because of the length of this epic we do see Genji and his descendants grow, contemplate , but ultimately studded by their place in time. It ends abruptly because of Murasuki’s sudden death, so we are left with no resolution or sense of what she was trying to convey. As is life.

[Anna Bichta Peebler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually quit this book after the crucial moment of Genji’s death. I don’t think I’m that interested in his descendants.

[Julie Bergley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so much melodrama. The amount of people getting possessed by the spirits of jilted lovers was honestly hysterical.