Audiobook from classics collection / best-sellers.
"The Tale of Genji" is a classic work of Japanese literature, considered by many as the world's first novel. It was written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century during the Heian period. The novel is a sprawling narrative that spans several decades and follows the life and romantic exploits of Hikaru Genji, the son of an ancient Japanese emperor.
The story begins with Genji's birth and early childhood, marked by the death of his mother, the Empress Kiritsubo. Despite being an imperial prince, Genji faces numerous challenges and political intrigues within the court. His strikingly handsome appearance and poetic talents make him highly desirable among the court ladies, leading to various romantic entanglements and love affairs.
Throughout the novel, Lady Murasaki explores themes of love, loss, and the transient nature of life. Genji's relationships with women, including his wives, concubines, and other court ladies, form the core of the narrative. The novel also provides a vivid depiction of the Heian court's cultural and social milieu, including its customs, rituals, and aesthetic sensibilities.
One of the distinctive features of "The Tale of Genji" is its use of a narrative technique known as "monogatari," which means tale or narrative. The story unfolds episodically, with each chapter focusing on different events and characters in Genji's life. Lady Murasaki's prose is highly poetic, filled with rich symbolism and allusions to classical Chinese and Japanese literature.
The novel also delves into the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of life, exploring themes of Buddhism and the transitory nature of existence. Genji grapples with the impermanence of beauty and the inevitability of death, which adds a philosophical layer to the narrative.
"The Tale of Genji" is not only a literary masterpiece but also a valuable historical and cultural document that provides insights into the courtly life of the Heian period. Its influence extends beyond Japan, and it has been translated into numerous languages, captivating readers around the world with its timeless exploration of human emotions and the complexities of relationships. Lady Murasaki's work remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the capacity of literature to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries.
CHAPTER 1 00:00:00
CHAPTER II 00:39:34
CHAPTER III 01:58:49
CHAPTER IV 02:19:06
CHAPTER V 03:41:07
CHAPTER VI 05:07:24
CHAPTER VII 06:06:21
CHAPTER VIII 06:59:33
CHAPTER IX 07:19:58
More: the tale of genji, lady murasaki, audiobook
full length, japanese literature, classic literature
classic japanese literature, medieval literature, courtly love
romance, epic, historical fiction
audio book, audiobook listen, audiobook download
audiobook free, audiobook library, audiobook streaming
