Murasaki Shikibu
Who was the female author that wrote one of the first long, fictional novels in the world, entitled The Tale of Genji? This amazing woman wrote over 120 poems, kept a detailed diary, and lived in Japan during the Heian period. Did you guess Murasaki Shikibu? Then you are correct. Her work led the way for many later novelists. Murasaki Shikibu truly impacted literature not only in Japan, but all over the globe. We are so lucky to have such an influential author in our world history.