I decided to finish my reading with

Genji’s death

, about 2/3 into the text, because that’s really where his tale ends and a totally different novel begins. But I’m so glad I read this for Women in Translation month. What a whirlwind tour of another world. I loved learning about it: the rudeness of naming, the surprising humor at court, and best of all, everyone speaking in code through poems on meaningfully dyed paper tied to meaningful plants. I also deeply admire this as a feat of translation. The length alone, let alone the Austen-like style and tone! What a marvel! Anyway, in conclusion, Murasaki was always too good for Genji, but I was sorta rooting for his forbidden romance with the emperor’s widow!!