Who wrote the very first true novel, Tale of Genji?

• A. Lady Murasaki Shikibu
• B. Sei Shonagon
• C. Kobo Abe
• D. Haruki Murakami

Answer: (A)

The idea here is recognizing who authored Tale of Genji, a work frequently described as the first true novel. The author is Lady Murasaki Shikibu, a noblewoman at the Heian court in early 11th-century Japan who wrote Genji Monogatari.

What makes this work stand out as a precursor to the novel is that it creates a long, cohesive narrative centered on a single life and his experiences, as well as the lives of those around him. It isn’t just a patchwork of separate episodes or essays; it follows characters over many years, delving into their inner thoughts, desires, and relationships. This psychological depth, combined with detailed portrayal of court life and social norms, helps it feel like a continuous story with complex development, which is a hallmark scholars credit when calling it one of the first true novels.

Sei Shonagon, by contrast, is known for The Pillow Book, a collection of essays, observations, and lists rather than a sustained fictional narrative. Kobo Abe and Haruki Murakami wrote in much later periods and are known for distinct genres and styles that don’t connect to Genji’s early, courtly storytelling.