Murasaki Shikibu, as a woman from tenth century Japan, is not a well-known figure beyond that she created what's known as the world's first novel. That said, her diary, instead of illuminating her, makes her more of an enigma than ever. "Murasaki Shikibu" isn't even her real name but her father's combined with her father's title. Still, what is revealed is an intriguing puzzle of a complex woman.

Muraskai's diary focuses on the other women at court, their dress, and their comings and goings. On the surface, some might think this information is frivolous, but Murasaki is clearly interested in a hierarchy that dictates her standing and her future. She is keenly aware of the fact that she is an older and educated woman and that she is expected to act a certain way, avoid certain behaviors that are deemed too flirtatious, and to avoid wearing too bright clothing, which is seen as more appropriate for younger women. However, when she switches to writing what feels like a letter to a confidante, she reveals a melancholy disposition who is nevertheless loyal to the young Her Majesty and her few friends, whom the editor Bowring insists are JUST friends, even when they compare themselves to mandarin ducks, the symbol of lovers.

The jewel of the book is Murasaki's diary. It's a pity it's so short. The introduction is helpful, but readers should be able to figure out most of what's going on without it. Meanwhile, the Appendices are dry and don't add anything. Overall, an interesting read. ( )

Great book that I finally got around to reading. ( )

Document fragmentaire sur la Cour du Japon au début du XIème siècle, ce journal est celui d'une dame de compagnie qui serait également l' auteur du célèbre Dit du Genji.Seule est conservée la partie qui se rapporte à quelques mois des années 1008 et 1009.

Voir une notice sur http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_de_Murasaki_Shikibu

Murasaki Shikibu är mest känd för sin Berättelsen om Genji, enligt vissas bedömning den första romanen (det finns andra förslag, beroende på definition och om man bryr sig om berättelsen föreligger i komplett skick), men hon skrev även, som de flesta vid Heian-tidens hov, vers (hon ansågs höra till de bättre), samt denna Dagbok.

Huvuddelen av denna dagbok behandlar uppståndelsen kring kejsar Ichijōs andragemåls Shōshis nedkomst med den pojke som skulle bli kejsar Go-Ichijō: ritualer och uppståndelse, oro och glädje. Ty trots att man inte riktigt väntar sig detta, tycks alla hovdamerna betett sig som huvudlösa äkta män i en sämre komedi vid kejsarinnan första födsel, och det hela verkar aningen parodiskt.

Förutom detta finns även rörande passager om Shikibus egna rädsla inför åldrandet, poetiska passager som beskriver månens gång och liknande, hovskvaller (inklusive nedsättande kommentarer om Sei Shōnagon, som skrev en egen dagbok som brukar hållas som den främsta från tiden), ett brev till en bekant om en inbilsk hovdam vid tempelprinsessans hov, beskrivningar av klädesdräkter (å, dessa klädesdräkter, å dessa poetiskt namngivna färgkombinationer, å denna leda), ändlösa ceremonier, närvaro vid repetitioner inför en dans: mycket, varierat, men tyvärr till stor del förglömligt. Hovlivets esteticering och de poetiska småbataljerna är trevliga, och Shikibus känsla inför sin egen ålder mycket rörande, men när man väl upphört att förundras inför tidsandan är huvuddelen rätt intetsägande.

De noter översättaren Vibeke Emond bifogat förklarar mycket av vad man behöver veta, men ger också kortfattade beskrivningar av vem alla de förekommande personerna är, och dessa är legio. Jag vill inte veta vem vänsterns andreminister är om han bara passerar förbi i ett stycke, och om han ges lika utrymme med en hovdam som visar sig vara en av Shikibus närmare vänner så är han bara distraherande.

Nåväl, även om det kanske inte var riktigt så roande som jag väntat mig var det ändå en intressant inblick i en annan tillvaro. ( )

Murasaki is the author of one of Japan's acclaimed literary accomplishments, [The Tale of Genji]. While I've read excerpts of this novel in college, and own a lovely hardcover boxed edition, I haven't actually read it yet. The book currently resides on my "interested, definitely will read someday but not quite yet, because it's an important piece of literary history" shelf. I only bought the diary as a companion for when I actually read Genji, so why am I reading it now? I have this challenge, you see, with 9 categories of books, and one of them is for autobiographies and such, and I had this trip to China and needed a light book, and ... voila. Another seemingly random book choice based on a variety of factors.

Am I the only one that creates endless (and endlessly revised) reading lists only to discard them at the last moment in favor of a book that I hadn't even thought of before but somehow now feel is entirely appropriate?

This diary is mildly interesting, but I think it would be much better in conjunction with the book that inspired me to buy it. I am interested in the Heian period in Japanese history, but the diary is limited to a small period of time covering approximately two months. Not a lot of history is revealed. Add to that the fact that this is a diary, which means that Murasaki assumes the reader (just herself, or was it court instigated?) will have immense amounts of knowledge which I am lacking. The footnotes were helpful, along with the lengthy introduction, but I was in desperate need of better context.

The self reflections, where Murasaki dissects her fellow courtiers and herself, are much easier to read. Seeing that world from the view of one of its inhabitants, and a female at that, is fascinating. It made me eager to read other diaries from the period, ones that are more complete. It also reinvigorated my wish to read [Tale of Genji]. Maybe I will consider that book as an addition to another challenge category, unfinished college books.

This book is exactly what it claims to be: a diary by Murasaki Shikibu, with all the limitations a diary would manifest. My best recommendation would be to read this along with the famous story by that author, or if you have a scholarly interest in Murasaki, Heian Japan, or Japanese cuture, because the book as a whole reads like research material. I was interested, not terribly excited, but inspired to read more from that period. ( )