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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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Great story

Loved the narration! Excellent voices. Made me feel
like I was in the 17th century!

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2 people found this helpful

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A real study of strength, humility and honour

I started this book with an interest in the way of the samurai and came away with a new appreciation for the lessons in all of life’s situations. More philosophical than action adventure , Musashi is a great story that offers much more than swordplay

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the story is one dimensional.

the problem is the characters are one dimensional and it is ridiculous how the characters keep meeting again and again. regardless I think the story is what it is because it was originally a new paper series.

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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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Narrator mispronounces English words

The story is good however the narrator Brian Nishii pronounces simple words incorrectly. He is pronouncing every letter in words where the letter should be silent . The most notable word that sticks out is “sword”. He pronounces the W in the word and it’s really distracting. Of course being an English speaker , it sounds like his Japanese words and names are nice . I really struggled with his English words . And it’s not his accent ,

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A performance more than a reading, fantastic

What a journey! The last 35 minutes had my heart pumping , the scene setting was amazing. Many memorable and important quotes to take with you in life. 10/10 recommend this listen. Also can not praise the narration enough, awesome !

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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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The detail descriptions really pulled me into the story. Felt like I was there.

One of the greatest stories I have ever read. It’s long but totally worth it. I liked all the different stories and the themes explored.

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Amazing read

This is my favourite book I have ever read. It has everything you could want, action, adventure, a somewhat agitating love story, and a surprising amount of humour to add, the rivalry between musashi and kojiro is not only a very interesting historical rivalry but also reminiscent of every rivalry in anime and I would not be surprised if this book as influenced almost every anime with the cultural significance this book and musashi as a historical figure hold, overall this is an amazing book and it probably describe at as a Japanese lord of the rings. Would definitely recommend and I will be reading again multiple times.

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Wonderful Journey

I’ve listened to this audiobook twice now in 3 years. It’s just lovely. Has to be my favourite book.

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