The sacred tree : Being the second part of 'The tale of Genji'

This listening experience opens with a thoughtful preface that places Japan’s earliest novel in its historical and artistic context. The narrator guides you through the scant biographical clues about the mysterious author, the literary landscape of the Heian court, and the delicate art of translating Buddhist rituals into familiar terms. A concise note on pronunciation ensures you’ll hear names like “Genji” correctly, while the introductory sections map out the family trees and key figures that populate the story.

From the first chapter, the tale follows Prince Genji, an imperial son born of a low‑ranking mother, as he navigates a world of arranged unions, clandestine love affairs, and fierce jealousies. Early episodes introduce his fraught marriage to Lady Aoi, his passionate but dangerous liaison with the widow Rokujō, and the tragic fates of several fleeting loves. The narrative captures the elegance of court life, the subtle power of poetry, and the ever‑present tension between duty and desire, all set against the richly imagined backdrop of Heian Japan.