Diary of Lady Murasaki (Penguin Classics)

I was expecting a straightforward diary, but this was a delight. Much of this book lays down important groundwork needed to understand or at least appreciate the world of Lady Murasaki. The actual diary is small, perhaps much was lost or omitted, or I suspect destroyed, but the insights Lady Murasaki offers on the world around her will make you laugh out loud at times due to the vanity of others. More intriguing are her personal thoughts on how others behave, the vanity and jealously associated with royalty and the elaborate support systems in place. At times Lady Murasaki is guilty of vanity herself, perhaps obsessed with clothing, but perhaps just a victim of the time. More often than not her wit, grace, and charm will overwhelm your spirit, you want to meet her and get to know her more. My only complaint is that I do want more of her, she was a remarkably insightful person, and more intelligent than she would lead you to believe. But because she was a woman much of her genius was repressed, forbidden at the time. But those who felt as I do loved her enough and appreciated her genius, and so over 1000 years later we are still talking about dear Lady Murasaki.

After one reads the major works of major authors one eventually plumbs their second rank and unfinished works. That was my expectation but this is really a textual study. The main text (less than 50% of the book) is fluffed up with front & back matter and footnotes that are insightful and make the text’s ceremonial events more interesting than themselves. The main text is a recording of the ceremonial events of a prince’s birth. In appendix 2 Murasaki’s text can be compared with two other recordings/histories of this same event; and the differences, particularly her interjections of annotation and self reflections, make hers much more interesting. Without having to read between the lines, ones take away is a unwelcome thought; in her own time her status as an author was demurred and relegated due to petty jealousies within the court amongst people of ranks lower, equal and higher than hers and amongst both men and particularly women. Sadly, she had to hide her knowledge of the great Japanese anthologies of poetry and her skills in reading and writing Chinese. Her psychology in the brief period of this history’s recording seems progressively embittered, evidenced by her preference for privacy and encroaching isolation. Normally when I read classical Japanese literature I enjoy the usage of seasonal words or phrases (Kigo) and the borrowing and referencing of classical verses containing Kigo. In the Tale of Genji Murasaki’s ploy of these devices was playful and intriguing and often in allusions to the foreplay of a courtship or dalliance. In comparison in this work her exchange of poems too often seemed intend at keeping people at a comfortable distance from herself.

I readTales of Genji several years ago & wondered about Lady Murisaki. I bought this as companion book after l bought my own copy of Genji.

author also wrote book of Gengi (which is VERY long!)

I really enjoyed reading this. I kind of wish I'd read the Tale of Genji first though. I will have to order that one next, and then move on The Pillow Book. This book was so slim, I had no idea it would take only 2 nights for me to right it. The introduction and appendixes take up more space than the actual diary does! Which is fine. The diary is full of information even though it is very short. I really enjoyed the rich detail, especially about the birth of the prince and the clothing of the ladies at court. Reading about all the gifts to the prince at his birth makes even the most elaborate modern baby showers look shabby for sure! I plan to read more about this time period and then go back and read the diary again because I'm sure I'll get more out of it after I know more about the period.

I am currently reading this book and I very much enjoy every part I've read thus far. I've read the Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon and I felt this would be a great follow up book to read since Sei's Pillow Book left me wanting more from this genre. I love Murasaki's demeanor and poetic nature. She seems far more humble in nature than Sei Shonagon, although I do miss Sei's sassy entries. This one is a must read for anyone interested in Heian period literature and history!

Have you ever felt like you're the only sane person working at your office, surrounded by idiots, leeches, kissups and that gross dude who always leaves the toilet up? You're not alone.At least you hopefully haven't had to lock yourself in a closet to escape your boss's pawing drunkcreep friend.Murasaki Shikibu comesacross as really likeable (and less likely to troll you for bad life decisions than Sei Shonagon, her wonderfully catty rival) and get attention to detail makes this work a delight. Recommend, especially for fans of her work Genji Monogatari!

Needed for a college class very fast shipping and much lower price than the college book store. Your college age child, especially a son, will likely hate this book and never even consider reading it again. Amazon saves you a fortune on books your kids don’t want to read.

The diary of Lady Murasaki is the court diary of the author of the Tale of Genji - an 11th century masterpiece of japanese literature. Although Murasaki Shikibu has been dead for over 1000 years this diary brings to life Murasaki and the imperial court. It recounts an important period at court with the birth of Empress Shoshi's first son. We are given details into court ceremonies, life, fashion, and attitudes. Excellent read, especially if you're interested in Japan.

I read the diary, then read the introduction and comments, which led me to re-read the diary with greater interest and insight. It's not "something sensational to read on the train" but if one is already interested in Lady Murasaki and the Heian period, then this slim volume is helpful. I'm currently reading Sei Shonagon's Pillow Book, and the two books fit well together.

really interesting if you like the history of Japan and want to understand more about the author of the Tale of Genji. Great pre-read to the masterpiece, will help you put things in context and understand where she got her inspiration from. Totally recommended for fans of Japanese literature.

Good book but got rather "samey" as it progressed, gave up in the end.

Magical insight into the world of feudal Japan. Beautifully written and can be dipped into and out.