Mushashi is an epic Japanese historical-fiction written by Eiji Yoshikawa, one of the best authors in Japan well known for his classic works Taiko and Heike Story. Although Yoshikawa’s work is a fiction, it is based on true history. Miyamoto Musashi was a real and renowned Japanese swordsman lived around the 17th century. The story was first published as a serial in Asahi Shimbun (Morning Sun Newspaper) in 1935 before it was finally compiled into a novel series and into a single edition—the English version was first released in 1981—and since then, the book has become a classic throughout the world.
As a novel, Musashi is in the best tradition of Japanese story telling. It focuses on the journey of a rōnin (Japanese swordsman) in climbing the steep and harsh path in the Way of the Samurai, which can be translated into reaching perfection in doing what someone’s do best and completeness as a human being. The book is imaginative and refined, filled with a living story and excellent characters—most are historical. It is a great depiction of an absolute dedication of a person, interweaved with other themes including unconditional love, blind and foolish revenge, and filial piety.
Book Description:
Miyamoto Musashi was lured to join the great Battle of Sekigahara only to find himself losing the war and his dream. Being a fugitive, he conducted reckless bloody acts until finally captured by Takuan the Zen Monk. This event was the beginning of his long self transformation and also his complicated romantic relationship with the lovely Otsu.
He then spent years in a long journey to hone his swordsmanship and reach perfection as a human being. Along the way he fought numerous sword battles, including against the famous Yoshioka. At the same time, he was constantly “pursued” by Matahachi (his childhood friend who went to Sekigahara with him and was lured into a degenerated life path), Osugi (Matahachi’s mother who wanted to killed him because she blamed him for destroying his son’s life), and Otsu (who deeply in love with him and wanted to be with him no matter what). His adventurous journey would reach its peak in the famous duel against Sasaki Kojiro, the other greatest swordsman of that era.
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