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Musashi

By: Eiji Yoshikawa, Charles S. Terry - translator
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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Summary

The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman.

Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai - without really knowing what it meant - he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed, and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive, and brings life in his own village to a standstill - until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.

The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he rejects the position of samurai and for the next several years pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to the left nor to the right.

Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the way of the sword is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength. Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels far and wide, challenging fighters of many disciplines, taking nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the rigorous training of those who follow the way. He is supremely successful in his encounters, but in The Art of War, he perceives the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines himself to be a real human being.

He becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has touched and by whom he has been touched. Inevitably, he has to pit his skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival.

Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese storytelling. It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety, and absolute dedication to the way of the samurai, it depicts vividly a world Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an epic quality and universal appeal.

©1971 Fumiko Yoshikawa (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
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What listeners say about Musashi

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A classic

I will always recommend this classic, over and over again. For those having a samurai spirit, this is for you

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12 people found this helpful

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Wonderful and engaging story

Having read the book many years ago, I found this much more enjoyable as it moved along at a good pace. Also the pronunciation of the names was much better mine.

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12 people found this helpful

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everyone should read this

Although telling a story about a samurai it really is about life itself. Read it.

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4 people found this helpful

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great listen

Narrator did a great job on this excellent book,well worth a listen bring on Taiko

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incredible!

A brilliantly read, epic tale that stands the test of time. Absolutely mesmerising. One of the best stories I have heard/read.

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Amazing story was saddened when it finished

Was listening to this while commuting to work, made the drive much more bearable, while I may have been stuck in traffic this audiobook absolutely transported me back to 1600's Japan, I was riveted from start to finish for all 53 hours. Not only is it a good samurai story but it's packed full of valuable life lessons I feel enriched having experienced it. 10/10 will listen again.

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Thoroughly enlightening

A wonderfully enlightening story with echoes of a past patience thats lost in today's pace of life. Once you get used to the reader's accent the story flows & enriches with each chapter.

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Don't be put off by length

An amazingly well told story read by a fantastic narrator. Captivating with humour, jeopardy emotion.

Introspection is a key theme that makes explore your own morality and self discipline.

Cannot recommend enough.

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A journey through time and Japan, also swords!!

I loved it very very much.
I loved the reader too, pulled me into the story probably better then the words would have.
Gripping, long and captivating novel with endearing characters.
Makes me wanna travel to Japan too!

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Great Read

You feel like you're in the skin and very soul of this renowned great Samurai.

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