Can I admit it? I didn't finish this book! I very rarely don't finish a book, but I got more than halfway through it and realized that reading it had become a chore. I wasn't enjoying it, and felt no desire to even find out what happened to any of the characters. It's too bad, because Dalkey is obviously a capable, talented writer, and the book is very well researched. However, she made a decision to base the style of the book on classic Japanese manuscripts such as The Tale of Genji. I've greatly enjoyed reading historical Japanese works - for example, I'd highly recommend "The Confessions of Lady Nijo," written in the late 13th century. But in 'Genpei', the general effect is not that of reading a medieval work, but that of reading a dry history - without the benefit of actually learning accurate historical facts. The story is a based on the factual Genpei wars of Japan's 12th century, but mainly this is a recounting of the life and ambitions of some Japanese noblemen, some with supernatural help or hindrances. Unfortunately, all the characters seem to blend together, without clearly defined personalities, and none of them are likable people at all - they're variously greedy, malicious, misogynistic, treacherous - all in a banal way. ( )

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