The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, is often considered the world's first novel. Set in the Heian period, it follows the life and romantic exploits of the nobleman Genji. The book offers a rich portrayal of courtly life, love affairs, and political intrigue during the Japanese feudal era. With its poetic language and complex characters, The Tale of Genji is a masterpiece of Japanese literature that continues to inspire and influence writers to this day.
