How to Read The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

[@tonybennett4159]

How to read The Tale of Genji? In my case it was quite simple. Many years ago I took a ship from Auckland to Southampton. The journey took a month with only three brief port calls. Genji was my companion, free from distractions, able to enter his world unhampered. Not everybody can be as lucky.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That's such a beautiful story. What an amazing experience!!

[@pablogamberomasson-qg2px]

I just wanted to thank you, Ben. Because of you, I had the courage to chase the great whale, and I am currently reading Moby-Dick. Never before has a book made me reflect on life as much as this one. Writers have written entire books about ideas or subjects that Melville expresses in just a few words or sentences. Thanks for helping me become a better human being. Cheers from Don Quijote's Spain!

[@artstocker60]

Moby Dick. Two thumbs up. 🖒🖒 A great book, which more people should read.

[@alexhindes3861]

This is my next read. Encouraging to hear!

[@Durufle68]

Kudos to you. I struggle with Moby Dick.

[@pablogamberomasson-qg2px]

Don't get me wrong, I also struggle, specially as a non native english speaker. But I've found that with the help of a guide and the right mindset (that is being ok if I only manage to read a couple of pages a day), this masterpiece is inexhaustible.

[@michaelmullard4292]

Dear Ben: Thank you for this particular video. I have read the Tale of Genji twice in my life as a result of studying the history of Asian Literature at university. I agree that there are strong wabi-sabi and mono no aware qualities to the work in terms of the ephemerality, the slight sense of melancholy, and the general sense of the interiority of the work. It is truly a remarkable work. As a psychologist, I completely agree that it is study of the interactions of people living in an exquisitely refined culture. Yet, one gets the feeling that Lady Murasaki spent much of her time completely bored out of her mind! If you’ve never read “The Pilliow Book of Sei Shonagon,” I would also strongly recommend this work as well as it is excerpts from her diary, essentially a book of lists of things that she finds beautiful, melancholy, evanescent, holy, humorous, etc. It is written at about the same time as Genji. If I had the time, I would join you and your lovely book club. Sending best wishes.

[@jnfunvufb]

You know this years NHK yearly drama(Taiga drama 大河ドラマ) is about the author of the tale of Genji. There are tons of reference about her book as well.

[@carlatate7678]

Look mate, I've just bought and started East of Eden (loving it), now you're waving another book at me I haven't read yet but have often thought about reading. One more for the wish list.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

😂I'm so happy you're loving East of Eden, my friend!! Such a masterpiece :)

[@jcurrier517]

Joined the book club January 1 and East of Eden was my first official read at the beginning of the year, and I STILL can not believe what a phenomenal book it is that I had never read in my life. I hope you enjoy it just as much!

[@YVETTE9456]

I am so glad to know a 21st-century professor “still” introduces this beautiful novel to the world. Thank you for the video!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that ☺️

[@eileenoconnor391]

Thanks Ben. Have finished war and peace thanks to you and Anna Karenina wow. I understand a lot more about Russia. I love time travelling and globetrotting through literature.

[@Bonny83]

Hi Ben. I am Japanese. I’ve never seen a non-Japanese person explain the Tale of Genji so perfectly. It’s amazing that you go beyond a mere explanation of the story, and you include a deep knowledge and insight of Shintoism, Buddhism, and the historical background of the time. Keep up with your good work!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow!! Thank you so much! That truly means the absolute world to me. I really appreciate that deeply ☺️🙏

[@patriciajoubert426]

Very long ago, maybe 50 years, I was in a beautiful library in Pasadena, California and I came upon this light blue, fabric covered book, Tale of Gengi by Murasaki. I had recently been reading other books by Japanese Authors that I loved and I had a romantic love of Japan based on their art, woodblock prints and Kurosawa films with the great Toshiro Mifune and other films, so I took this book out. It was the Whaley translation. I was completely amazed by it and it’s been one of my treasured companions ever since. I so agree with you about how you can just read into it at any part and not feel lost at all. It is woven like a tapestry. Again, for me, so old now and having seen the world change so much, it is fascinating to see that a young person like you is still reading books like this and sharing them with others. It brings hope in the face of adversity and chaos.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your personal history with this masterpiece, Patricia. This was absolutely beautiful to read ☺️🙏

[@maiko4130]

Wow, thank you so much for this beautiful introduction to Tale of Genji. As Japanese, I’m not proud at all to tell you I have not read the story, although there were some attempts to tackle it. I tried a few abridged versions, too, in Japanese, including some written for kids, but they didn’t work after few chapters because of the exact reasons you talked about. Also the poems are sooo hard. They are all needed to be translated into current Japanese otherwise I have no clue. It is not even an option for me to read it in the original Japanese because it’s so far from the language used today that it sounds a different language and the extensive notes and explanations don’t help either😅 Reading it in English might work better. I will try some translations once I finish reading my current read!

[@AnastasisKottos-nr7th]

I don’t know how, but every single time you drop a video, I’m getting so excited. Seems like you have influenced the way I read the great books. Thank you 🙏

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, my friend! It means the absolute world to me to hear that!! ☺

[@cleggz1472]

2 videos within a week, I am so thankful

[@PattyAgree]

The Tale of Genji is my favorite book in the world. I have been reading and rereading it for over 40 years, and I never grow tired of it! I have many notes I’ve taken on the family trees of the characters. There is nature, music, and art in this book, but most of all, it is about passions and feelings, including depression and not about politics and war. The inner lives of the characters is what the novel is really about.

[@janmariolle]

Thank you for taking the time to share exquisite block prints which illustrate your remarks. I’ve appreciated Japanese prints since my art school days many years ago. I purchased a seventeenth century erotic print while still a student and continue to enjoy it decades later. I can’t wait to read this masterpiece with the book club. Thank you for another inspiring lecture.

[@tammikibler]

I read a serious chunk of this novel a couple of decades ago, but I had to return it to the library before I finished it. I'm excited to revisit it now with a community of readers.

[@YVETTE9456]

And you will feel excited if you have a chance to visit Kyoto, where the novel came to life. That was my experiences when I visited Uji, Kyoto-the Uji River, and those temples are still there to welcome the readers. It is just a joy of reading!

[@patriciajoubert426]

So happy to see that people are still reading the great books of the world. Wasn’t sure if it was still happening. So there is hope.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Patricia!! There's still hope! We're keeping great literature alive :)

[@genghisgalahad8465]

How cool this channel selects masterpieces to discuss and highlight! Just from the outside looking in, it's the multiple reviews of the various translations that got me interested in this genre of academic translating classics of literature! 📖 📚 🎉 kudos!

[@JamesBarry-j7m]

I'd love to hear you read the novel to all of us your voice is very soothing and and I'm sure we would follow every word you said

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, James! You have completely made my day. It's actually a dream of mine to do narrations for these great books in the future :)

[@Cath38639]

I really felt the vibe of the video and I really want to grab a nice copy and take my time with this book. I love trying to keep up with the pacing of the book club, but I think for this read I will need more time. Really looking forward to the lecture series!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Leah :) This is definitely a great one to really soak up and spend some good time immersed in! I can't wait to hear what you make of it!

[@john005_]

I have seen the animated film for this but I have not yet read the books which inspired it. Thank you for this video.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

They did such a beautiful job with the animated film! And you're so welcome! Thank you so much for watching ☺

[@claudiaortiz5043]

I read this beautiful novel when I was 29. The cover grabbed my attention and didn’t know what I was buying. It was remarkably well translated to Spanish and loved it. The concept of Mono no Aware grabbed me by the heart, the pacing of her writing is calm like a stream. I bought the second part without any doubt. When later I commented that I had read both parts to a Japanese friend, she was surprised because she told me not everyone read it in Japan. Thank you for your video. Always enjoy your insightful comments. I’m with my annual P&P rereading but I’ll reread my favorite parts from Murasaki.

[@brendanward2991]

A masterpiece. One of the best novels I have had the pleasure of reading. I have also had the pleasure of visiting Kyoto. Thank you for this deep dive, Ben.

[@michaelrichards669]

Watching another Book review when person mentioned your name. Very cool to find your videos.

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Great analysis. I have tried to start this a couple of times but been daunted by its length. Having recently reread Shogun I must try again with Genji.

[@kjcs_1896]

Cheers to you! Your reading guides have helped me with Karamazov, Master and Margarita, and now Pride and Prejudice. I've always wanted to read Tale of Genji. I guess it's time to purchase it.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Khyrus!! I'm so happy to hear that! Nice one on reading so many of these great books - Dostoevsky, Bulgakov, Austen, and now Genji is seriously impressive!

[@patchanonmk7137]

Since Genji's here.... Dreams of the red chamber next? But for real though, you have been helping me getting through the classics. Having English as my second language and being a contemporary reader definitely makes me a little afraid of the classics but you have been helping a lot, so thank you! -A random high school boy from Thailand

[@Gonzalo_Broto]

Hello Patchanon! I’m also following Ben (I’m also member in his Patreon) from Thailand! I usually buy my books at Kinokuniya. What edition of Genji did you buy? Cheers krub!

[@patchanonmk7137]

@@Gonzalo_Broto Oh, how I envy you! I wanted to join his Patreon too, but I do need to convince my parents some more. My go-to is Asia books(because of the member discount) but if it doesn't have the book that I want I go to Kinokuniya too. I bought the Tutle non abridged version, the cover is beautiful and was translated by the guy who Ben recommended! Cheers too Krub!

[@Gonzalo_Broto]

@@patchanonmk7137 I was about to buy that version too, but since I already had the unabridged version in Spanish (my mother tongue), I decided that this time I will read the book in Spanish. It's so hard to restrain oneself from buying more books, even when you already have other editions of them!

[@patchanonmk7137]

@@Gonzalo_Broto ok, turns out I bought the Wailey version.... It should be fine, right?

[@Gonzalo_Broto]

As Ben says in the video, the best translation is the one that gets you through the book, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it, just enjoy and cherish the one you have! I’m tempted to buy one version in English to complement my Spanish version (maybe the Washburn or the Tyler), but I haven’t decided yet! If I do, you can borrow it for a while to check it out!

[@erotzoll]

I doubt there is a college lit class even 10% as good as this project

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Eric! You have completely made my day!! ☺️

[@YVETTE9456]

+1

[@ChristyLuisDostoevskyinSpace]

This could not have come at a better time for me, as I am reading Genji for the first time as part of a readalong. Thank you so much!

[@rosscoleman2294]

Hi Ben. Lovely video. Just wondering is Washburn still in print? The translation intrigued me. I have Tyler but want to try something else.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Ross :) The green cover version of the Washburn in the video is sadly out of print. I needed to get my secondhand. But there is the Norton edition, which has a black cover, with the Washburn translation and that's very much still in print!

[@ТараБургустина]

One of my favorite novels of all time. Thank you! Today I learnt something new about it.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow!! Thank you so much! ☺️

[@markbeck8384]

I too read Genji in Japan. It is a wonderful book, really a romance; I am so glad you are also interested in it. I have found it is one of the books I reread every 10 years or so.

[@marianapgar4409]

I am thrilled to see this new video, Ben! I can't wait to hear what you have to say about this amazing book - no doubt it will be eloquent!

[@hectoralvarez7654]

Thank you for your service you have inspired me greatly H.R.Alvarez.

[@janebowell3985]

I am jumping up and down , at last the Genji video has dropped. 🎉 . I am looking forward to treating this work as a life long friend with your expert guidance Ben and the book club members ´ takes on it .I will concentrate on the female voices and the poetry but also the life at the Japanese court .

[@EnormouslySmall]

Hey, Ben, I'm reading this solo, but it's good to have your input, including your translation suggestions. I'm liking the Washburn. On another subject, are you still pursuing your wings? If so, I hope it's going well. Best, Don

[@jaehaerys48]

Going through Washburn's version right now, via the audiobook. I love it! I agree that his style is quite modern.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so thrilled you're loving it! :)

[@bart-v]

One of my favourite novels! I've read it twice and am certainly going to re-read it again and again.

[@markuswierschem2576]

Since having joined a dojo and reading up on Japanese literature, I've been debating whether or not to get this one to accompany my readings of Japanese history and martial arts treatises like the Hagakure or Musashi Myamoto's "Book of Five Rings". This has certainly convinced me! I truly appreciate the glimpse you provide into the translations. On that note, I think the most succinct (if politically, and, we may add frequently: factually, incorrect) formulation of the purtian/cavalier-dichotomy of translation is the following phrasing, sometimes attributed to George Bernard Shaw, but apparently originally phrased by Yevgeny Yevtushenko: “Translation is like a woman. If it is beautiful, it is not faithful. If it is faithful, it is most certainly not beautiful.”

[@giovannizun]

I know you spent some months (or years?) in Japan. For a long time, I wanted to hear your thoughts on more Japanese literature--especially this book! Which I've been a bit shy to read. The only longest book I've read is Don Quijote, and after reading it I said: never anything longer than this! But now I want to thank you. You gave me that small push to put it on my to-read list. I really want to read it.

[@habitshare]

Thank you so much for this detailed video. I always wanted to read this thinking it will a very good presentation of old Japan. Now I know which translation to pick and just stat it.

[@KellieEverts-ss8uz]

Fascinating! 18:43

[@susprime7018]

I bought a copy on Kindle translated by your third choice Seidensticker with minor corrections, the price was right, no idea when I will get to it, enjoyed your video. Clarissa could have used a good editor, but I'm happy I read the letters, but I'd be lying if I said the redundancies did not irritate me.😂 Most interested in learning about old Kyoto, long before the Shogunate. Thank you, enjoyed it.❤

[@Sachie465]

Among the characters, I like Oborozukiyo and Hanachirusato, who are complete opposites in terms of personality and so on. I'm really looking forward to watching this video later.

[@Indigo_snakes]

What a great video! I’m even more excited to get to it now :DDD

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much!! I hope you enjoy it ☺️

[@erika20099]

Great video! Thank you, Ben. 😊 1 Washburn 2 Tyler

[@einsofkvikna]

Excited to watch this

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! ☺

[@leom9729]

Another great video sir. Thank you

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, my friend. I really appreciate that! :)

[@lidiacazam]

How is it possible I just started reading Genji Monogatari mere hours before you uploaded this video… Get out of my head!

[@EduardoHenrique-nd1ro]

Thanks for sharing, Benjamin! Cheers from Brazil!

[@tylermileslockett]

nice to see a review of japanese literature here. would be curious to hear your thoughts on the samurai epic "tale of the Heike"

[@rebeccasmith4182]

It's a miracle that you released this video on the same day I got an assignment to read the book. For those who read the book, which chapter is the most mirrored (enriched) by japanese customs, traditios, culture etc? I need to write a paper on a single chapter comparing its relevance to Japanese culture. Would appreciate some feedback:)

[@jakeballinger6033]

I got about 450 pages into Genji last summer and it's been sitting on my bedside table, inviting, ever since. Time to get back to it!

[@LeeRichardson808]

I am planning a trip to Japan, and planning on staying in the Kansai region near Kyoto. I am taking this as kismet that I need to read this work!

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Thank you for this video! Interesting and insightful analysis of "Genji" and the culture that it represents. Interesting how a concious, dare I say even willful, depression is a recurrent thread of history. From the Heian period through to the fashionable "emo movement" of the '90s to the current day, with its pervasive pessimism and negativism.

[@yeva5691]

Liked before watching, as always) Ben, are you planning to do Mhabharata one day?

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much :) Absolutely! I'm 100% planning to do that. It's a fantastic coincidence you mention it because I was literally just thinking about that right now!

[@yeva5691]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy What a coincidence! I've been planning to read it this year. Can't wait to see your video and recommendations.

[@aissiranda2187]

Please, Mr. Ben, suggest for us the titles of books by writers who became famous and famous in the Victorian era, or a brief study of one of them. Did the novelist and storyteller Charles Dickens keep pace with this era?

[@JaketheMovieGeek]

In 2025 I plan to follow your Bookclub from the beginning with Anna Karenina

[@learnnowspeaknow]

I wonder if you might expand to other places outside the western canon? I know that's kind of your specialty but I think it would be valuable to introduce your audience to something even like the Mabinogion and the oral traditions lost in the conquest of Wales, and Christianization of Ireland. James Baldwin, Edouard Glissant, and other post-colonial authors that give essential perspectives on western lit. Or perhaps do an episode on contemporary poetry--that is highly daunting, and I hate to focus too heavily on the past when there is a very rich and fascinating world of literature developing around us as technology develops so rapidly. Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge for example is wonderful.

[@rodneyadderton1077]

Another great video Benjamin. I'm commenting for the algortihm. Have a great day.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Rodney!! I appreciate you!! :)

[@Sachie465]

Frankly, I wish Junichiro Tanizaki had spent more time writing his own novels than translating The Tale of Genji into modern Japanese. Thank you for posting this video. It was very accurate and interesting.

[@Beech27]

Musashi is quite the bookstand for Don Quixote!

[@jerrywhoomst1116]

Does anyone have any recommendations for other ancient works that act as fundamental pillars of our literature? I am interested in reading such things.

[@peoniesandparchment]

when are you writing a book? please tell me you’re going to write one someday!

[@bastemantuano2888]

Please try 4 Classics of Chinese Literature such as Journey to the West.

[@zucchini2114]

Have you done a video about your time in Japan before ?

[@Usernameforsf]

I was waiting for this video! I tried reading this book once and got so incredibly bored couldn’t go through with it. Maybe I should give it another go, because I think I just didn’t get it

[@Sorcerollo]

The Tale of Genji is a beautifully written book for sure. The subject matter is a bit hard to digest, though. One of the reasons I had to put it down. A big theme is grooming of young women. Just an fyi for anyone interested in the book.

[@ralphjenkins1507]

❤️ u Benjamin !

[@KellieEverts-ss8uz]

Wow sounds good

[@salehbno]

I hope one day "How to read the Great Gatsby ".

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm definitely planning one! ☺️

[@paulandreigillesania5359]

It's that long?? So all I've been seeing r heavy abridgments