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.

54 hours to short!

I really enjoyed this book to its fullest.
From the location that I personally know to the amazing performance that Brian Nishii.

I can recommend reading the Book of five rings by Miyamoto Musashi before this one.

Greatest Story Ever Told

If you can listen through all 58 hours, it will change your life. It is an accomplishment in and of itself to listen to such a long book. Even more so to pull from it, principles that can be applied to future endeavors. Very thankful to have come across this book.

Great audiobook

I enjoyed this audiobook from beginning to end. Yes, it is long but man was it worth it. I won’t spoil anything for you but I feel this book is as relevant now as it has ever been.

The narrator did a fantastic job. I will look for more book that he has read.

My new favorite book

This has become my new favorite book of all time, it has an interesting story that follows the way of the samurai quite well. It also teaches lessons within the story without being so in your face about it.

words cannot describe the magic of this book

absolutely loved it! It was very well read and there are so many lessons to be learned from it. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone

Amazing

The greatest samurai book ever made! I cannot wait to listen to the book again.

I wasn't expecting much but wow

When I read the description I expected a boring story but this was fantastic

wonderful !so many teachings .a must repeat! .

Great narrator ! always very engaging. an insight into a Samurai's life and The WAY

Phenomenal

The whole book is worth it for the last page of text. Read the book.

Best story and book I've ever heard in my life.

This is the best story and book I've ever heard in my life. Brian did a great job reading it.