Set in the exotic and beautiful world of eleventh-century Japan, this novel tells the life story of the woman who is considered to be the world's first novelist. Murasaki Shikibu, the sensitive, intelligent daughter of a mid-ranking court poet, escapes loneliness by writing stories about an irresistible Prince Genji and his romantic escapades. Enhanced by the author's scholarly research, as well as excerpts from Murasaki's historical diary and most of the waka (similar to haiku) from her poem collection, this unique historical fiction is a treat!