Chapter 53

With a sigh, Azuki set aside the scroll book she was reading. Uncle had given her The Tale of Genji, certainly the first Japanese novel and likely the first novel anywhere in the whole world, a rather racy account of the romantic exploits of the fictional Heian-era Prince Genji, authored by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, who lived at that time. While it was fun to read, and something Uncle would not ordinarily have allowed Azuki for study, as it was quite sophisticated, Azuki found it hard to submerse herself in Lady Murasaki's imaginary historical world. Even the loving descriptions of the Heian-era clothing Lady Murasaki would herself have worn weren't enough to distract Azuki from her obligations. Being reminded of fabrics and outfits just made things worse.