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A review by zannmato
The Diary of Lady Murasaki by Murasaki Shikibu
4.0
I am consistently amazed at how such works are able to survive the passage of time. Something that should be obscure, like the diary of a woman from japan in the tenth and eleventh century, is found, studied, and translated to bring us insight into a place and time far from our own.
The Diary itself is intriguing in its depiction of daily life during the birth of the prince and its description of the style and colour of clothing worn. I think better notes on what each of the colours meant and what the forbidden colours were would have been useful, but I may just have to read further into the Heian period.
Lady Murisaki's insights into the people around her and her reflections on her personal character were the highlights. Her revelation about a woman's (her's specifically) education showing in their works or conversation, and being remarked on by others regardless of whether she does it or not, was fascinating.
Not as entertaining or profound as the 'As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams' by Lady Sarashina, in my opinion, but the perspective of the writer of the Tale of Genji is certainly a good read.
The Diary itself is intriguing in its depiction of daily life during the birth of the prince and its description of the style and colour of clothing worn. I think better notes on what each of the colours meant and what the forbidden colours were would have been useful, but I may just have to read further into the Heian period.
Lady Murisaki's insights into the people around her and her reflections on her personal character were the highlights. Her revelation about a woman's (her's specifically) education showing in their works or conversation, and being remarked on by others regardless of whether she does it or not, was fascinating.
Not as entertaining or profound as the 'As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams' by Lady Sarashina, in my opinion, but the perspective of the writer of the Tale of Genji is certainly a good read.