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Musashi cover art

Musashi

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

What listeners say about Musashi

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amazing.

it's like watching an anime unfold through words. amazing story. so many life lessons to be gained

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Incredible story with many life lessons

A story that I believe has taught me many lessons about character, resilience, discipline and friendship. Truly a timeless story and a killer vocal performance by Brian Nishii.

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A fun look into Japanese History

I have been spending a lot of time recently on 20th century Japanese literature, and with that exploring large themes in Japanese history. This great collection of historical fiction brought to life the folk hero Musashi on many dimensions and the details and overall length of the story I think helped to give me a better understanding of early Edo Japan. The performance was excellent and they story thoroughly enjoyable, 53.5 hours well spent!

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Incredible

The narrator was a little.. "soft", but it doesn't take away from the book at all. An absolutely phenomenal book and I can recommend it enough.

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Great story, voice acting not good.

Would be 100x better without the narrator impersonating a female voice, or a poor Japanese accent.

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unbelievable. couldn't put it down.

loved it. couldn't put this massive book down. well read. very entertaining. it went quick. too quick. thank you.

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Fantastic adventure!

Loved story of Musashi,very much. For me was extraordenery expirience. Learn little of history of Japan.

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Outstanding story

Is really worth the time, the narrator is good ! Many lessons can be obtained from this book!

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A fantastic story

This was a great swashbuckling samurai adventure. I highly recommend for those that are interested in this time period and The Way.

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Amazing

Amazing book and the reader brought it to life. Would listen to another book by the reader

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