Liza Dalby is not only an anthropologist but a sensitive writer who was able to reconstruct the life of 11th c. Japan with refined precision and delicious details. Add that to the sensitive profile of the writer of the world's first novel, a woman nonetheless, and you have the makings of a terrific story. This piece of historical fiction is filled with informative data about Japanese culture in the Heian period, about Japanese traditions in poetry, about Chinese influences in Japanese culture and daily customs, tasks and foods of the era. All done with a sensitive precision of language and an engaging story line. Ms. Dalby kept herself as close as possible to the facts known about the author of The Tale of Genji. In doing so, she may have compromised the development of her plot and characters surrounding Lady Murasaki. For this, only, I have removed one star, otherwise, this is a very fine novel, which I can recommend without hesitation to many friends.


