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Musashi

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Musashi

By: Eiji Yoshikawa, Charles S. Terry - translator
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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About this listen

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.
Biographical Fiction Fiction Samurai Classics

What listeners say about Musashi

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Magnificent

Magnificently narrated! The character voices made the story incredibly enjoyable and helped me, as the reader, to easily identify who was speaking. The effort of the narator along with the magnificence and beauty of this story has forced me to give this a 5 star review. 53hours of pure enjoyment, I strongly recommend

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3 people found this helpful

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Remarkable

First review I have left. Third time I am reading it. Beyond a beautiful, heart-rending, inspiring and expansive story, it manages to deftly weave deep historical context almost unnoticed into the narrative. I met a Japanese couple recently and they were amazed that I knew so much about the shogunate and the Tokugawa rule. Oh and one last thing, I don’t know the reader, but if there is really only one performer, then the range of characters and voice he brings is really something to behold. In a world of hyperbole, it is difficult to find words to describe the impact of this book.

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A compelling classic tale

A classic epic who's lessons are applicable across the ages.
Ever exciting with interesting characters who's stories and motivations you can't help but sympathise with.

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Amazing 🤩

Gripping. Particularly loved the narrator. Really brought the story to life. Deep story, learned many lessons on a spiritual and emotional level. Timeless

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Story of Believe Personal Sacrifice

Thanks Sean Bargwanna introducing me to 1600s Japan. Musashi, Taiko the best reads ever. Life-changing.

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Musashi

This wonderful story was so well presented and read . I have read the the book and this really takes you to soul of the story

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I loved every second it.

You know some of the books you just never want it to end.

I have to give the narration a standing ovation. He truly made this book amazingly entertaining and created the best character voices. can't praise him enough and going to listen everything he narrated.

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Serendipity

what an amazing book! everything: story, narration, characters, philosophy - simply WOW!
the book is written in a slow manner yet so much happens that you can't stop listening. I especially enjoyed the bits of zen philosophy laced throughout this book. A true masterpiece!

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Epic Journey

Don't let the long run time dissuade you. Fantastic performance and beautiful story. Of course, there are a few sections that went a bit long, but overall well worth it.

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The path of discipline

The story of Musashi and his path is keenly relatable to me. I feel like my own childhood and latter changes have put me on the same path. for this reason it was a real "page turner"
On top of that, the narration is great. I look forward to listening through this book again.

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