The Tale of Murasaki

In the 11th century, court lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote the first plot novel in the world, "The Tale of Genji," which became the most popular work in the history of Japanese literature. A thousand years later, at the turn of the 21st century, American Lisa Dalby created a personal biography for this amazing writer and poet. According to the plot of the novel, Lady Murasaki receives an invitation to serve at the imperial court thanks to her talent as a storyteller.

Lisa Dalby managed to breathe life into ancient Japan and bring it closer to the modern reader: we see the falling petals of delicate cherry blossoms in the garden of the Palace of Pure Coolness and rice fields in the harsh mountains, inhaling the bitter smell of chrysanthemums and the aroma of an ancient blend of incense "the embodiment of autumn." 

Love and passion, politics and court intrigues – whatever the topic in "The Tale of Murasaki," Dalby's brilliant prose makes our hearts beat faster.