Genji Book Club?

[caithion]

*wiggles fingers*

I know some folks had been talking about doing this, and I think it would be really fun. Set a time once or twice a week to get together on IM or skype, and chat for an hour or so as we work our way through The Tale of Genji. It's been quite a while since I read it at Boston U.

We'd have to decide how much to read a week, which I think would depend on who's busiest out of the group. And we'd have to decide whether to read the abridged or unabridged, and which translation. And, of course, we'd have to find a time each week that everyone could make it to.

I... have to admit the thing I hated most about English class as a kid was dissecting stories, but I think with a bunch of friends it'll be more fun. Anyone interested? And anyone interested in leading it? (Please don't look at me, that would be a disaster.)

My schedule shifts every week, so on weekdays I could only promise before 8 am (eastern time), or after 8 pm. Saturdays I also usually work, though only until 4pm. Sundays are free for me.

Comments

[muffin-song.livejournal.com]

This could be fun, but it would depend on when you guys were meeting (the time difference and all).

From what I remember from college, the Royall Tyler version most accurately reflects the Japanese, but it can be a bit confusing. I'm blanking on the other two versions.

With tsuki's Genji coming up I also feel like I should brush up on my Genji. I read selections from it in college, but I never got the whole way through it.

[caithion.livejournal.com]

If we did it late Saturday (US), maybe? Or would that put a damper on too many people's Saturday night delights? *grin*

I've got Tyler's unabridged, and Seidensticker's abridged, so of course I'm leaning towards one of those since I'm lazy and don't want to go hunt down a different version. ;)

[oscuridad.livejournal.com]

that sounds super cool! I'm totally there. I dunno if I should run it though. I've never read Genji before (although I'm sure I was meant to...oops. heh.) But pls add me to the list!

[caithion.livejournal.com]

Awesome! Definitely. We'll have to see who all is interested and in what time zones before we do any real planning.

I think most people have only read bits and pieces of Genji, so it'll probably be new for a lot of people.

[shirabyoshi.livejournal.com]

Hee! Not me. ... Of course, I had a very good reason.

[shirabyoshi.livejournal.com]

If it's Tyler's unabridged, I'm in! :D But you knew that.

[sumire-no-hana.livejournal.com]

I'm definitely up for it, if anyone else is. I admit that I was going to be rereading it, if only because of a certain upcoming show ^^;

[kirakira-sora.livejournal.com]

I've been wanting to read it for a while. So I'm in! I always prefer unabridged.

[omlteaufromage.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow. This is pretty much a dream come true for me. I just don't know if I'll be able to do it consistently. Could we do one chapter at a time, perhaps? ^^

My university's library has all the versions, so take your pick. ;)

[ruderal-species.livejournal.com]

This is awesome. There's no way I could meet the commitment, and then I'd feel guilty, but go with my blessing.

We had to read the entire Tale of Genji for one of my classes in college. I swear I was the only one to read the whole thing. ;)

[saedulaque.livejournal.com]

Guh, the only version I've got right now is Seidensticker's :( But maybe I can cope and somehow lay my hands upon Tyler's *_*