Reviews

Lady Murasaki's Tale of Genji: The Manga Edition by Sean Michael Wilson

evgeorge's review

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

The 1 is for the story and not the graphic quality. I read the Tale of Genji in college and then again a few months ago. I hated the first time and was able to appreciate the writing while hating the story the second time. I hoped this graphic version would give me new perspective. It did. The story is absolutely not for me. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Incest, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Kidnapping, Body shaming, and Toxic relationship

noteworthy_fiction's review

emotional informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

koreanlinda's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I chose to read this graphic novel because the original Tale of Genji was too long for me. Because the story is condensed, it comes with many consequential shortcomings. 

• The story is a constant repetition of Genji getting infatuated with a young woman and having sex. 
• There is no room for character development.
• There is little room for context. 
• There is no description of the royal family doing any work but fighting for status and desires. 
• It has many characters who come in and out of the story. 

The list of characters at the beginning of the book was essential to remember who was who. Unfortunately, the illustrator made little differences among female characters other than age so it was tough to tell them apart. 

The book was only interesting in learning how people in old times were curious about various sexual desires and sought satisfaction through reading fiction. 

by Linda (she/they) in January 2024
Personal essays on DefinitelyNotOkay.com
Artwork on Instagram @KoreanLinda

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual violence

Minor: Child abuse

banana83854's review

3.0

What a PHILANDERER!!!

toloveisdestroy's review

3.0

The manga rendition of Tale of Genji is nothing short of gorgeously illustrated. It’s artwork is beyond extravagant to the eyes. However, the fast pace of the story left for lots to be forgotten.

mezzythedragon's review

3.0

Mind you, I have never read the actual text because I could never get into it, so I’m judging solely the manga. I understand this is a *very* condensed version of the book, but this adaptation made the story easy to follow. I appreciate the character list, and the illustrations were great. A few typos, however.

I will say though, the Shining Prince is a creeper.

nfleow's review

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

constantinareads's review

relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

good enough for a manga version