Description
A Tale Unasked, originally titled “Towazugatari” (A Story Not Told), is a groundbreaking autobiographical work by Lady Nijo, a 13th-century Japanese noblewoman. Written with remarkable candor and introspection, the narrative chronicles her experiences as a concubine at the imperial court, her complex relationships with powerful men, and her spiritual journey toward Buddhist enlightenment.
This Penguin Classics edition provides English readers access to one of Japan’s earliest known autobiographies, offering invaluable perspectives on medieval Japanese culture, gender, power dynamics, and personal agency. Lady Nijo’s eloquent prose captures the beauty, constraint, and contradictions of courtly life while revealing the inner life of a woman navigating societal expectations and personal desire. The work is celebrated for its literary merit, historical significance, and its surprisingly modern exploration of identity and self-determination.
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