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

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
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