Book description
Written centuries before the time of Shakespeare and even Chaucer, The Tale of Genji marks the birth of the novel and after more than a millennium, this seminal work continues to enchant readers throughout the world. Lady Murasaki Shikibu and her tale's hero, Prince Genji, have had an unmatched influence…
Why read it?
1 author picked The Tale of Genji as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Though potentially incomplete (some scholars argue we're missing one or two chapters, or that the story was never meant to end), The Tale of Genji manages to paint a vivid picture of the life of a lost age, with its own array of traditions, values, and fashions; a world where one's skill with poetry was just as valuable as political acumen and their outlook is so different from a modern perspective. At the same time, it presents the timeless complexity of relationships between men and women, and the social expectations and norms that impact those connections.
From Alina's list on the history, folklore, and mythology of Japan.
If you love The Tale of Genji...
Portrait of an Artist as a Young Woman
This fiercely feminist novel catalogues the obstacles encountered by a young woman fighting to become a filmmaker in the 1970s and 1980s.
The novel begins with Ana Fried struggling to step out of her mother's shadow. While filming Indian goddesses at Mount Abu, a bout of malaria sends her back…
Want books like The Tale of Genji?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Tale of Genji.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,366
readers submitted
so far, will you?
