Genji Monogatari (the Tale of Genji) No Sakusha Wo Shitteimasu Ka (Dai Wa Bunko)

[Machine Translation] The Fujiwara clan, which occupied the center of power, was engaged in a blood feud in order to unite with the emperor's family. How did the daughter of an unfortunate middle-class aristocrat manage to write one of the world's greatest stories when the power converged on Michinaga? Her sensitive girlhood, her early separation from her husband, her selection as the wife of the court's middle-ranking prince, the intrigues of the court, the future of the imperial lineage, and the schemes hidden in her stories... The real image of Murasaki Shikibu and the realities of Heian culture are portrayed through documents that reveal her complex feelings. What was Murasaki Shikibu really like and how amazing was she? What was she trying to write? What is the secret of the popularity of Murasaki Shikibu, which has been read for 1,000 years? Even if you are familiar with Murasaki Shikibu's name and have a general idea of his works, you will not need to worry. You may think you know Murasaki Shikibu and "The Tale of Genji", but you don't. This is a fascinating book that you won't find in textbooks!

天皇家と一体化するため血の争いに明け暮れ、権力の中枢を占める藤原氏。政権が道長に収斂されてゆくとき、不遇な中流貴族の娘がなぜ世界でも屈指の物語を書くことができたのか。多感な少女時代、早くして夫と死別、中宮の女房への抜擢、宮廷内の権謀術数、皇統の行方、物語に忍ばせた企み...複雑な心境が吐露される文献から紫式部の実像と平安文化のリアルを描く。紫式部の何が、どうすごかったのか。何を書こうとしたのか?一千年も読み継がれている人気の秘密とは!?「名前は知っているけれど、作品も大体見当がつくけれど」という人でも大丈夫。知っているようで知らない紫式部と『源氏物語』、教科書にはない面白さ!