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.

BIG Must

this book is definitely a big must for anybody that is a fan of Japanese culture and history

Great story

This book Is a journey a pretty long one at that but so worth it. Musashi is all of us each human being walking the earth in search of their own perfection. we are all warriors at war with our greatest adversary. Our Self

The best story ever

i just finished all 54hrs. I am restarting it immediately. This is the best story ever

The story is classic

But like most classics it is a little meandering and slow compared to modern novels. Keep in mind that this is a 50 hour long book. You are going to spend a lot of time with these characters. Maybe a little too much.

An epic tale

One part epic tail one part self help guide to life this book is extremely powerful. I can only imagine having lived in the time when it was published in the newspaper and being excited to read it at each issue. If you enjoy Japanese history as well as learning about the samurai way of life and applying it to yours, this is a great book. The narrator does everything above and beyond and it stands out as one of the all-time best stories I’ve ever heard

Life lessons honor

Never thought I’d finish it but once I got 10 hours in I couldn’t stop sooooo good

For me this was perfect.

What an amazing story that dives deep into Japanese history and culture. the narration was phenomenal as is the translation, I can't say enough good things about this audiobook and I'm saddened that I finished it up today. it's quite lengthy, very nuanced with lots of characters so I may just give it a listen again at some point soon. this has been my daily companion for some time now, I already miss it.

good book.

I've listened to a few 50+ hour books and I usually have to take a week or 2 break at some point. not the case here, listened to it straight through and really enjoyed it. it's surprising how contemporary the overall story feels for being an older book, set in an even older time. the narrator also did a great job of creating characters and voices that fit the story without bad accents or fakeness.

Epic novel of the search for personal greatness

I highly recommend this extraordinary and meditative novel for anyone seeking a window into Japanese culture and history but also for anyone who enjoys the simple beauty of Zen inspired art or the austerity of martial arts. The array of characters presents fascinating interrelationships, contrasts and romances, many of which are a bit one sided, which is also quite illuminating.

Wow. Just wow

Brian does an amazing job of pronunciation and giving every character depth and individual development. The story is so much. I had to re listen to a few a parts to make sure I understood everything because it has so much depth. I recommend this to everyone.