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Rating: 
Summary: Remember, readers, this is the world's first novel.
Review: Curiosity caused me to read this book, and for purposes of history and enlightenment, I'm glad I did. Insights into Japan of yore and its nobility and customs are plentiful, and the characters, though underdeveloped by today's standards, are interesting and even captivating. Problems? Of course... the flow is very uneven. A chapter ends, and the next one begins later in time, often skipping over crucial action (such as Genji's sexual encounter with his father's wife). The ending isn't much of an ending, either, leaving you hanging there without closure. Still, considering the age of the novel, it's not bad. Don't read this for its story, but for its historical significance.
Rating: 
Summary: Is this the greatest novel of all time?
Review: If you are reading this it is probably because you have enjoyed Liza Dalby's "Tale of Murasaki" and are wondering if you can handle something of this size. Or perhaps you are already familiar with the scintillating Waley or Seidensticker translations (also worth acquiring and reading) and curious as to why Tyler has even bothered to produce another one. In fact, even in Japan there have been several recent attempts to render the obscure language of the Heian Court into modern Japanese. Junichiro Tanizaki, for example, managed the feat twice. With such a precedent Tyler therefore, perhaps, needs no justification. Anyway, what you need to know is that the new translation surpasses Seidensticker's in being faithful to the poetic economy of Murasaki's prose (though "economy" here still leaves room for some marvellously glutinous, clause-laden sentences) and even succeeds in maintaining the shifting identities of the characters (which change when they receive promotion within the court) without leaving the reader lost. There are also some wonderful and irreverent moments, such as when Tyler has the libidinous Genji complain "I'm not out for hanky panky; all I want to do is sit for a while on her creaky veranda." But the main thing is that this translation is utterly absorbing, wonderfully readable, and as difficult to put down as many a bestselling novel I have come across. It will guarantee around two months of enjoyment to those who like a good psychological story and therefore represents excellent value, even in hardback. For me personally it is simply the best novel I have read and I recommend this translation without any reservations.
Rating: 
Summary: An interesting journey to a different time and culture
Review: In the book's defense, Aristotle said "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." Many of the events described in this book seem unacceptable to the Western 21st century moral code, BUT neither Lady Murasaki nor Genji were 21st century Westerners.
Many cultures around the world still have arranged marriages, the arrangements happen while the bride (and groom) are still children, sometimes the groom is much older, so there's nothing really THAT strange about that. From what I gleaned Genji didn't have physical relations with Murasaki until she was old enough so really, no harm no foul.
As far as the cultural content this book was fascinating, you have to factor in when it was written that it had to be translated into English which I would assume was no easy task for any translator; sometimes "ideas" don't translate as well as one would hope.
Other than that the book was a hard read but definitely worth it, I found myself almost craving to read it if I put it down for a while. I just couldn't wait to hear about Genji's next adventure or conquest.
The poetry was also of interest, apparently it was proof of intelligence and/or good breeding (or something) at that time to be able to make up a good poem spontaneously (on the fly) and they do this often throughout the book; which at first threw me while reading, but you soon get used to it.
You can also catch a hint of the traditional Japanese culture (that I know of, which isn't a lot) and it may help with an understanding of what it's all about; in other words it is possible to make some connections between then and now.
The characters are all very interesting and Murasaki makes them come alive with her very vivid descriptions of their personalities as well as physical descriptions that aren't too exhausting. You can practically say you "know" the people she describes, you can imagine someone you know that is just like that character. Genji is so haughty and pompous, it's almost comical at times, but who wouldn't be if they were given near god status at birth? He seems almost naive or innocent, even though in reality he's far from it, almost narcissistic, but it's all good because he's "Genji", lol. You almost become narcissistic along with him - toward him, it's contagious.
It is also very humorous at times and I found myself chuckling out loud (and then not able to explain to people what I'm laughing about because you "had to be there"); you get so in tune with the culture that you find humor in the "slights" that are completely culturally based.
I was struck so many times by the similarites between "human nature" then and now, the only real differences are cultural. Their personalities, their desires, their emotions are all the same as what we are familiar with in this day and age.
This was just a GOOD book and a GOOD story, it's no wonder it has been around so long.
Sondra
Rating: 
Summary: Glorified Incest
Review: It sure is a women's book; someone is in tears on every other page. Yet it does get through to a common nipponophile like me. It presents a certain ultimate in civilization, an elite who communicated to each other with brilliant artistry in subtle couplets.
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Summary: The Reviews Should be Reviewed!
Review: It's amazing how so many of the people writing negative reviews on this book are focused on what they see as moral or philosophical content. They seem to miss the fact that Lady Murasaki was writing in the context of the society at that time, and exploring those same moral conflicts within the reality of both society and individual consciousness. Genji is not a hero placed on a pedestal, Murasaki examines him in the most honest way, showing both the good and the bad, the beauty and the beast; and that's what makes it such a great novel. It has integrity of subject rarely seen in our modern formulas and Hollywood endings. In modern texts the writing formulas is a hero who goes through a series of climaxes, culminating in a victory or defeat where the protagonist discovers something about themselves, but with Genji, the reader discovers something about themselves, and maybe that's too disturbing for some people. In addition, it passes on an abundance of information on Japanese history and culture of the Heian area. It is a significant work relating to the Japanese Incense Ceremony called Kodo, of which today the most famous game is called "Genji Koh" or "Incense of the Genji."
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Summary: The necessity to adore and be adored.
Review: Surely ,Shikibu was the great writer. Her tones are intelligent ,clear and beautiful. But, I don't like Genji. He is a PLAYBOY! Nevertheless, I feel great sympathy for him. He didn't relate very well to Genji' Girls. Kiritsubo, Utsusemi, Yugao, Momiji, Aoi, and others, they were very charming and mysterious girls. And he was longing for his Anima in his youth. After all, he got Murasaki, maybe his forever sweetheart, in this way. He coulld not have seen his Swan in his dream, I think...... Because of young Genji's behavior, he suffered terribly in his prime age. After his death, Poor soul! by the irony of fate, Kaoru, Ukifune ,every his relationships must have continued suffering,too. Oh! they could have no inspired artists, for all their gorgeous court life. Unfortunately, Ukifune tried a suicide, but, she was saved and in religious house. Probably, Shikibu thought that her soul, every character's souls couldn't rest in heaven......, Monono Aware....Love.
Rating:
Summary: Glorified Incest
Review: This book disgusted me. I have never read anything so incestuous. 'Tale of Genji' is an overindulgent, horrific story. Any man who covets a girl of approxiamately age seven for a wife is what I would call a 'pedophile' not a prince. Not to mention that he impregnates his step mother. I have to wonder about those who gave this book 5 stars. Spare yourself the disgust, and use your money more wisely.
Rating:
Summary: Genji Go boy
Review: this was a very intresting and hard book to follow I read it in a class a reading book. It was hard for me to keep up because of the higher vocabulary and high comedy that I did not understand.
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