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.

Incredible Saga!

This is an incredible samurai tale that holds your attention throughout it's many hours of twists and turns. Beyond the greatness of the story itself, the performance of the narrator is by far the best audible book narration I have heard so far, and I've heard many such books. He manages to beautifully bring to life many characters of different ages, genders and status so convincingly that it's a remarkable achievement. My highest recommendation!

Great Story Great Performance Poor Translation

This is a great piece of Japanese historical fiction. Brian Nishii does a fantastic job of bringing the story and characters to life. The problem is with the translation by Charles S. Terry. It has been painfully dumbed down for an American audience. All honorifics have been omitted. With most honorifics there are no direct English equivalents, so, rather than leaving them in place for the reader to decipher and learn from, they were just omitted entirely. This gives the story a very European flavor with Japanese names. Modern phrases were substituted as well. Given the time period the story is taking place in, a more direct translation of some of the phrases would put the reader in the time and place better. And please leave the honorifics as they help show the cultural aspects of Japanese society. Terry took way too many artistic liberties which completely altered the flavor of the book. I wish translators would dumb down stories. They shouldn’t underestimate the intelligence of their readers. I gave it 4 stars but maybe that was too generous given the piss poor translation.

Wow

This book has been a long read, but after all that time I'm sad it's ended. Truly an amazing book and will re read later on.

Amazing story

I am here, strictly because of how highly Jocko and Tim spoke of this book in their first podcast. At least now I can listen to episode 100. As far as the book goes they weren’t wrong, this is truly a outstanding book with a unbelievable pace for this long of a book. This narrator did a impeccable job!!! Nothing to complain about.

An excellent narration of a true classic.

The narrator did a terrific job. I was engaged through the whole book. So glad they made this audiobook edition.

The way of a warrior

I listened to this book twice. The second time, I was able to capture the many instances during which the paths of Musashi and Otsu criss-crossed without them realizing how close they really were. I chose this book because, as a past student of martial arts, the story of a martial arts legend intrigued me. During feudal times in Japan many warriors and soldiers were driven to survive on their own when their warlords lost or were killed in battle. Some gave up and gave in to commiting crimes against their own people, but others did not and through sheer will and strength of character overcame incredible odds to lead a noble life. That is what Musashi stood for, a seeker of truth and enlightenment. However, I don't want to brush aside the fact that during a long period he seeked fights for glory which was opposite of someone seeking enlightenment. There were various characters that brought richness to the story and the narrator's voice was clear and ably covered the various characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it also provided nuggets of wisdom that I will carry with me.

love it

Every true martial artist should read this book and any other story of miyamoto musashi

long but enjoyed the read

this book is long but i enjoyed the read, good narration as well. highly recommended.

Soo good!!!

This might be one of the best Samurai stories I’ve ever heard. Such an amazing journey.

epic story made authentic by great narrator

It is no wonder that Musashi has had so many adaptations over the decades. It is a story both sweeping and intimate. This 50 hour epic breezes by. Nishii does one heck of a job both with Japanese pronunciation and character development. Anyone interested in historical fiction will not be disappointed.