This family saga of a wicked stepmother has been called the world's first novel. Written during the 10th century Heian Era and first translated into English and published by Kegan Paul in 1934, it follows the changing fortunes of the heroine, Lady Ochikubo, who is forced to live almost as a servant in her noble father's house while the stepmother gives preference in all things to her own daughters. Beautiful and clever, the Lady is told she is ugly and stupid, and kept indoors so no one knows of her existence. The story of how the Lady marries a powerful nobleman of the royal court and...
This family saga of a wicked stepmother has been called the world's first novel. Written during the 10th century Heian Era and first translated into E...
