Classic Love Stories

Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2)

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  • 1888 first published
  • 🎧 8 h 01 min free audiobook
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Published in 1888, Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2) is a classic romance novel by Murasaki Shikibu.

A free LibriVox audiobook (8 h 01 min) is available.

About Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2)

Genji Monogatari, or The Tale of Genji, is a Japanese classic novel from the eleventh century. Supposedly commissioned by members of the Imperial Family, it tells the story of the son of the Emperor's favorite concubine and his role as a privileged boy and man, but not quite recognized as royal. He is placed in a loveless marriage, but continues a number of 'friendships' with the women of the court. This translation brings us the first seventeen chapters, and there is some dispute over the authorship of later (not included) chapters. The book gives us a fascinating insight into court life of the period. - Summary by Lynne Thompson
Description from LibriVox

Free audiobook

Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2) — LibriVox recording, 8 h 01 min in 18 sections.

Public-domain recording by volunteer readers. Listen online, download MP3s or stream from the Internet Archive.

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Quick answers

Who wrote Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2)?

Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2) was written by Murasaki Shikibu and first published in 1888.

What genre is Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2)?

It is usually shelved as Classic Love Stories.

Is there a free audiobook of Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2)?

Yes — LibriVox volunteers recorded it; the recording runs 8 h 01 min.

What books are similar to Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2)?

Readers who like it often enjoy The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Turn of the Screw and She.

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