2026 Reading Challenge
The Tale of Genji

Questions About The Tale of Genji

by Murasaki Shikibu

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Answered Questions (9)

How challenging is this book? Would an average fifteen-year-old understand and enjoy it?
Rija Ahsan If a sixteen year old like me can read it, you probably can. xD It's not too bad. Whether you enjoy it or not depends on you.…moreIf a sixteen year old like me can read it, you probably can. xD It's not too bad. Whether you enjoy it or not depends on you.(less)
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Which edition/translation is the best? Thanks :)
Faranae This is a matter of taste and needs. Tyler's is probably the most academic. The Waley is the most accessible, but also the least faithful. Seidenstick…moreThis is a matter of taste and needs. Tyler's is probably the most academic. The Waley is the most accessible, but also the least faithful. Seidensticker is my favorite for striking a good balance between readability to a modern, Western audience, and faithfulness to the text. Washburn is a good scholar and a bad translator, I would skip his translation entirely unless you need everything spelled out for you.

Here's a more in-depth breakdown of some of the differences!

www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/07/20...(less)
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What is the best translation for this book?
Lucy Day Werts Which translation is "best" depends on what you're looking for. If you are approaching this work for the first time, and you want to read the whole th…moreWhich translation is "best" depends on what you're looking for. If you are approaching this work for the first time, and you want to read the whole thing, I would recommend the Seidensticker translation, if you can get your hands on it. I struggled with Tyler. I've written up a lot of details about the different translations, abridgments, and related guides here:
https://welovetranslations.com/2021/0...(less)
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I wonder what the Lady Murasaki thought of Genji's pedophilia and bullying?
Alan Engel Murasaki wrote it and, according to NHK's saga "Hikari no KImi," for the purpose of getting the Emporer sexually interested in his wife. …moreMurasaki wrote it and, according to NHK's saga "Hikari no KImi," for the purpose of getting the Emporer sexually interested in his wife. (less)
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I read this book at 15 or 16. Found it although obscure at times, very interesting, exciting even. Loved the description of people, houses trees, gardens and even the paper used for letters. Fell in love with Prince Genji of course. Felt sorry for Lady Murasaki when he more or less ignored her once she was older. Would a young person of today find it boring because its so long?
James Horgan If they are very dedicated and a fluent reader! From reviews on other threads Waley's translation is likely the most readable if not the closest to th…moreIf they are very dedicated and a fluent reader! From reviews on other threads Waley's translation is likely the most readable if not the closest to the style of the time.(less)
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