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The rivals in question are Sei Shōnagon and Murasaki Shikibu.

“Since you asked, it was the subtlest form of expression known to humans. The first novel was probably Murasaki Shikibu’s ‘Tale of Genji,’ written in the 11th century.

The book, which was written by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting in the emperor’s court, continuously centers female perspectives while ostensibly chronicling the escapades of a male hero.

Setouchi said the work’s appeal to readers today is largely because of author Murasaki Shikibu’s examination of the main character Genji’s passions and of relationships between men and women.

Although I’d been meaning to read Lady Murasaki Shikibu’s marathon 11th-century classic “The Tale of Genji” for many years, I’ve lacked the fortitude that its 1,300 pages require.