another big book i have spent a long time on this year. It's a great novel, i think world's first modern novel. In my review I compare this to Proust's in search of lost time.
Summer seems to be here. Martha hates hot weather. I never take her out during the day in summer and just wait for evening, but not when it’s cold in Boston. Not that I’m going anywhere as I have to stay in as I’m a high risk if I get Covid19. . I’ve just bought this book and I’m looking forward to starting my acquaintance with it. I’m glad it’s summer. At least I can go in the garden and read in the shade and into the long evening.
Easily one of the books I most want to read, especially because of its influence on Japanese literature (and of course manga). And while not related (well not entirely) which English translation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms is your favorite? Or maybe the one you’d recommend?
My daughter has bought me this edition for my birthday next month. I've never read it before, but your enthusiasm for it in previous videos inspired me to drop a few hints xxx
Thank you so much for the daily Frieda, she lights up my day immeasurably, and I am sure that of others as well. I have never read The Tale of Genji, but hope to in the near future.
I wish I liked this book. I tried so hard to see the magic that so many others see, but I finished chapter 31 on page 543 and knew I couldn't go on. Genji comes across as a male version of a Mary Sue, just so unbelievably perfect in every way: far more handsome, better at music, better at poetry, not relatable or realistic in any way. And that would be fine if he were interesting, but basically all he does with his enchanting qualities is bed women, an endeavor in which he's... kinda rapey. Murasaki was not into it (not to mention 12 years old) when he slept with her. I have no problem with reading about "problematic" things, but in this case it didn't even service the plot or character development in any way that I could see, so all it did was leave a bad taste in my mouth. And I mention the plot, but there really isn't any. The story has no direction, it just meanders about and goes nowhere slowly. Maybe I'll finish it someday, but currently I would call this novel simply bad. Hopefully my mind changes in the future.
According to the Economist the original Waley translation is still the most highly regarded in Japan. It was (apparently) recently translated back into Japanese and was really well received by Genji lovers there.
I got the same version of the book you have. My only complain is that they horribly miscut the book on its longer side. It's not a big deal, but it's still a very appalling thing to behold.
One of the “some days” for me. Speaking of enormous books from beyond the Western world, have you happened to read the Chinese mega “novel” The Romance of the Three Kingdoms? I don’t believe Penguin has a version, but a few years back I read Moss Roberts’ translation (a staggeringly long ordeal). Definitely has its flaws, but is absolutely critical in importance to a billion or so people. Plus it has a handful of genuinely great moments I still think about from time to time.
This holds the flank down for my Penguin Classics Deluxe shelf. I’ve been waiting for the mood to strike to pull it down and just float along the streams with it. Is there anything else from Japanese literature that comes close to it (in aesthetic not scope and scale)?
