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spacestationtrustfund's review against another edition
3.0
This novel is really seven "books," together totalling nearly 1000 pages. The English translation was done in 1981 by Charles S. Terry, a year before his death; the story was originally serialised in a newspaper between 1935-1939, and follows a fictionalised version of the life of the legendary kensei Miyamoto Musashi, up until his famous duel with Sasaki Kojirô. Fun fact about Miyamoto: he fought 61 duels, all of which he won. He also wrote two books, the most famous of which is 五輪の書 (The Book of Five Rings).
Also there was a really awesome series of films starring Mifune Toshirô.
Also there was a really awesome series of films starring Mifune Toshirô.
setaian's review against another edition
5.0
This fictionalized account of the life of the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is epic in proportion and entertaining from start to finish.
lazrowp's review against another edition
Is there a better Samurai series? I do not think so!!!
fomac's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved the first book but the full version lost me at a few points. Still a worthwhile read and engaging way to learn some Japanese history.
exharme's review against another edition
5.0
The story hooks you from the beginning to the end. I woke up every day and wanted to know what will happen next. Yoshikawa made a fantastic effort "to photograph" the places that the story takes place with words that translate into an image directly into your mind. It really is like you are in the story as an observer! Without doubt the best book written for the best samurai.
dragos_d's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
kmac07's review against another edition
5.0
Good lord that might have been the best book I’ve ever read… Musashi is one of my idols forever. Wow.
vinjii's review against another edition
3.0
This is a quick and easy read despite its length. The prose is straightforward and there's plenty of action.
Unfortunately, I thought the characters are mostly two-dimensional at best, and the plot is sort of repetitive which resulted in tedious bits. And I never really emotionally connected with the characters.
If you're interested in samurais and Japanese culture, give it a try. It’s definitely worth a read.
Unfortunately, I thought the characters are mostly two-dimensional at best, and the plot is sort of repetitive which resulted in tedious bits. And I never really emotionally connected with the characters.
If you're interested in samurais and Japanese culture, give it a try. It’s definitely worth a read.
malaprop's review against another edition
5.0
This was a masterpiece. I really enjoyed the depth and richness of characters, social commentary, and culture. It's a multi-faceted coming-of-age historical fiction. I will be thinking of this book for a while. Even though it weighs in around 1,000 pages, it ended too fast.
After reading this, I noticed there were polarized reviews on whether or not people related to the characters. I see that viewpoint, but I think the key is to properly put this book in place in the historical context and honor-shame culture. Would I value and make the same decisions as most of the characters in this book? No.
But what did fascinate me was how the literary style of the writing matured with the characters. Without spoiling much, the books starts with two of the characters as young teenagers thrown into a conflict. The dialog at this point is very simple, almost primitive. As the book goes on and the characters grow, a tapestry begins to be woven together and the writing style and dialog grows with the characters. Maybe not everyone noticed this, but it was a nice touch. From this point, each of the characters follow different paths driven by their own circumstances. Not all of these paths will lead to good places.
But the lives of each of the characters will touch and set into motion the paths of others. So while some might have considered this a meaningless repetition, the nuance in the outcomes makes all the difference.
After reading this, I noticed there were polarized reviews on whether or not people related to the characters. I see that viewpoint, but I think the key is to properly put this book in place in the historical context and honor-shame culture. Would I value and make the same decisions as most of the characters in this book? No.
But what did fascinate me was how the literary style of the writing matured with the characters. Without spoiling much, the books starts with two of the characters as young teenagers thrown into a conflict. The dialog at this point is very simple, almost primitive. As the book goes on and the characters grow, a tapestry begins to be woven together and the writing style and dialog grows with the characters. Maybe not everyone noticed this, but it was a nice touch. From this point, each of the characters follow different paths driven by their own circumstances. Not all of these paths will lead to good places.
But the lives of each of the characters will touch and set into motion the paths of others. So while some might have considered this a meaningless repetition, the nuance in the outcomes makes all the difference.
bosstweed's review against another edition
Just not for me right now. Just too slow and too long. Maybe an abridged version would be nice but I am too busy to slog through it right now.