Waki Yamato

I've read two English translations of Tale of Genji, and when I found there was a manga version, also translated into English, I couldn't resist dipping in.
It has been an interesting experienced. I was relieved to read in the author's notes that she had the same problems as me with Genji, and with the tale. While Genji may have been seen a dashing character in his era, to modern eyes he is an unlikeable compulsive philanderer. And the tale is allusive. Much is delivered in indirect references. Translators have attempted to make the story more accessible to modern readers, but it remains ephemeral. The manga format helps flesh out some aspects, while others must remain indirect.
In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. But I think my previous exposure to the story helped a great deal in my enjoyment. In the end, we are trying to access the life and times of an era almost 1,000 years in the past. I liked the fact that the manga artists and writers have managed to make that reality as "real" as it could possibly be.… (meer)