Musashi

By: Eiji Yoshikawa, Charles S. Terry - translator

Narrated by: Brian Nishii

Length: 53 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's 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.

A great book with a great narrator

This is one of my favorite books and was made better with the narrators performance.

Must listen ... especially if you liked Shogun.

The narrator is great and is great world in which to lose yourself for 50 hours.

Exquisitely Violent Depiction of Feudal Japan

The beauty and art of fighting as a Samurai is prevalent throughout this entire work. If you have the patience to read or listen to lengthy texts, this book will guide you through the life of a historical Samurai in Feudal Japan. This is a work for those of us who are enamored with the history and art of ancient Japan. Please also explore the detailed, artistic world of the Geisha as well.

Enjoyable samurai epic

I had finished Shogun and wanted more feudal Japan. This story delivered so well. The narrator is fantastic. The story is simple but nuanced and I think really gets at the zen aspects of samurai and Japanese culture. I enjoyed it a lot and would highly recommend to anyone that wants to be transported into feudal Japan.

Felt like I lost a friend when the book was over

Absolutely love this book. It was extremely long but I enjoyed every minute of it. The story branched out in many directions, but I loved every bit of it. It is much more than just a book about the Warrior / Samurai mindset.

Oh my God.

I started this book interested in a guy (Musashi) who managed to kick the hell out of every badass in Japan. This book is so much more than that, it follows the development of a man who took everything in life as a chance to improve himself as a man, and through that development became a legendary warrior. One of if not the best book I have ever read about the creation and formation of the individual self.

Timeless and Powerful

The reading was as powerful as the words. Characters as innumerable as they are come to life each with their own distinct sound. Musashi is a must read or must listen for all whi are interested in discovering lesson of self-discipline, leadership, and the way.

Entertaining and well performed

Even after 50+ hours, I was disappointed that I had "already" finished it. The novel itself is both fun and inspiring, and the narrator does an excellent job at keeping the reader engaged.

surprising

This seriously surprised me with how entertaining it was. Check it out if you enjoy action, philosophy, history and clever story telling

Looooooong

It's pretty long and the story can get a bit bogged down. It wasn't difficult to follow the story. It would just a little tedious now and then.
Overall I did enjoy the story. If you are a fan of the Samurai Trilogy films this story delves deeper into Musashi's story. Give it go.