Helpful Score: 2
Written by the only Western woman to ever have become a geisha, "The Tale of Murasaki" is a highly readable work that will both educate you about 11th century Japan and have you invested in its main character throughout. The story is about the writer of the first novel in history, and is told as a "fictional/historical" diary from that author's perspective. Some reviews have stated the story is too far-removed emotionally, and while it is to a certain degree, the style of writing and the relatability of the main character, Murasaki Shikibu, is more-than-enough to keep a reader entertained and craving more.
This book is full of poetic language, insight into life in ancient Japan, and it was a delight to read.
