The Tale of Genji cover art

The Tale of Genji

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The Tale of Genji

By: Murasaki Shikibu, Suematsu Kencho - translator
Narrated by: Elaine J. Sepani
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About this listen

Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu wrote The Tale of Genji in the 11th century to entertain the other women in the court. It follows the romantic exploits of the title character, an emperor’s son, as he navigates life within aristocratic society and eventually outside of it. Praised for its psychological insight into the characters’ motivations, the book greatly influenced Japanese culture and is widely considered the world’s first novel. In 1882, Suematsu Kencho translated a condensed version of the text into English, allowing this classic tale to reach a wider audience.

Public Domain (P)2018 Woodkeep Audio Action & Adventure Asian Classics Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction War & Military World Literature Military Imperial Japan

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All stars
Most relevant  
would likely have been an interesting story if not for the incredibly dull monotone delivery of the voice actress

Tale of Genji

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I loved the tale of Genji a lot for the language that it used was exquisite. But the voice I felt did not portray the writings as well as I would wish. The voice was a bit robotics and didn’t portray how poetic the words were. Still I think it was great for the story was interesting and fun to listen too.

Great story but less great voice

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The story was spoiled by the very disappointing narration. It was a struggle to finish this audiobook.

Monotone delivery

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The Tale of Genji is a masterpiece of world literature, this audio version doesn’t do it justice. The readers voice is totally flat, there’s no modulation or expressiveness in the voice. Read the actual book or find a different version.

Disappointing

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