Reading progress update: I've read 253 out of 1120 pages.

The weekly Genji update:
I have questioned myself nearly every page this week, why I don't just abandon the book.
I clearly don't like Genji. I'm repulsed by his taking a child bride - yes, she's a few years older than when he first kidnapped her at the age of ten, and yes different times and mores are at play. However, we learn that she has a coming of age ceremony quite some time after the "wedding". Ugh...
Anyway, I might still dnf this.
What has kept me reading at this point, however, are the rare moments when the book does have lyrical quality
(show spoiler)and that there is an attempt at describing Genji growing as a character. (He's still a prick, tho.) Also, the description of the administrative processes at court and the superstitions and customs are fascinating.