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This classic samurai novel tells the true exploits of the most famous swordsman of all time.
Miyamoto Musashi was born into a Japan that had just emerged from decades of civil war. In 1600, he fought in the great Battle of Sekigahara with dreams of becoming a samurai, but he had no idea what that entailed. After the battle, he awoke to find himself defeated, dazed, and wounded, surrounded by thousands of dead and dying people. On his reckless journey home, he became a fugitive and brought life in his village to a standstill until he was captured by an unarmed Zen monk.
The lovely Ozu saw in Musashi her ideal of masculinity and released him from his harsh punishment, but he was recaptured and returned to prison. During his three years in solitary confinement, he delved into the classics of Japanese and Chinese literature. When he was free again, he rejected the identity of a samurai and spent the next few years relentlessly pursuing his goal, looking neither left nor right.
He gradually realized that following the way of the sword was more than just finding a purpose for his brute strength. He worked hard to perfect his technique, which led to a unique style of fighting with two swords at the same time. He traveled the world, challenging all types of warriors, using nature as the ultimate and most severe teacher, and accepting the strict training of those who followed the way of the sword. He achieved great success in battle, but in the Art of War, he realized the way to govern for peace and prosperity, and strictly required himself to become a true man.
He becomes a reluctant hero to the many people whose lives he has touched, and by whom, and inevitably he must pit his skills against the bare hands of his greatest rival.
Musashi is a novel that is in the best of Japan’s storytelling tradition. Its story is vivid, detailed, and imaginative, and filled with unforgettable characters, many of whom are historical figures. Weaving together themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety, and absolute devotion to the code of the samurai, it vividly depicts a world that Westerners know only a passing part of. It is full of passion and humor, and has an epic quality and universal appeal.
