I started reading this book after reading Takehiko Inoue's Vagabond manga. I think this is the closest i'll get to a complete musashi story since vagabond's haitus
One of the most fun things to do is notice the numerous changes Takehiko made to Yoshikawa’s masterpiece! They’re both very different and I won’t spoil them for you, but it a really flexes Master Inoue’s work as a storyteller as an artist.
that's literally what I'm doing now. I've gone through the manga 3 times now so I figured I'd actually finish the story by reading the novel it was based on.
The book handles women very well actually. It even mirrors the protagonist with Otsu being the equivalent to a female Musashi; whereas Musashi is naturally gifted at violence and strength, Otsu is naturally gifted with beauty and harmony. They both make numerous friends along their journey and are often pursued harassed by people who wish to harm their out of jealousy and desire. They go from wanting different things for each other to wanting the same goal for their future family and harmonious end. As Matahachi’s mom she’s a great character! Blisteringly annoying and petty but Yoshikawa goes in depth to her character on numerous occasions and she even has a semi arc with her interaction with the Smugglers. The Audiobook for this is over 30hrs long and I’ve heard it numerous times 😂 it’s that good
I'm a woman and I kinda felt let down with the women but specifically akemis arc, like nothing she did was amended in the end and she ended with a kid with matahachi so she never really caught a brake
Literally my favorite book. I read it for the first time when I was 16, today I'm 37 and I've probably read it like 10 times already. We think alike about it, there are some points in which the book could be better, but overall it's an amazing read.
After seeing this wonderful discussion/review I’d love to hear your thoughts on Taiko, another of Yoshikawa’s translated works. Maybe something we could look forward to in the future?
I bought the five book set in paperback back in 1990. It's time I read them again. I agree that women were written in a one dimensional way. Enjoyed your review.
Excellent review! Musashi is one of my favourite novels and I think you did it great justice. I wish more people would read this book. I agree with you, it's not a perfect novel, and some female characters can feel a bit flat. But even the most annoying female character, the old hag mother character, goes through some character development towards the end. I thought it was also interesting to think what motivates different characters, for example Musashi and Matahachi are both swordsmen but have different motivations. And as such I think the novel can portray a wide range of humanity. One thing that I found interesting was the emerging of Edo (now Tokyo), the new capital. I felt so immersed and swept away by the history when that happened.
I suspect that part of the manipulation of the people that happened in imperial Japan, like Nazi Germany, was a twisting of romantic ideals and a complete stifling of new literature and art that would offer a different perspective. I didn't realize this book was published during that era, but I did just see that it was not published as a novel in Japan until 1971. So perhaps as a serial it wasn't terribly influential? Maybe all the other propaganda in the newspaper canceled out or tainted the perception? I love me some samurai. I think it might be time to read some historical fiction set in Feudal Japan! There are so many pre-edo structures still standing in Japan that I've seen with my own eyes that I might really like this one despite the flaws. Thanks for the overview!
Woah I really enjoyed this. I am currently reading this book and just reached the second book. I came here to see if the story of musashi would continue. The switch of character bothered me at such a cliff hanger.
Thank you for the honest review. I'm wanting to read all about Musashi! Even though this is fiction, I'm still very interested. I do try to imply his teachings into my own life. My job, my spiritual faith, my day to day life, & even my marriage. Being loyal to the one I love most in the world should be something I think of every morning & I do. Even when we get on each other's nerves, which does happen. lol. I'm also very into Buddisim. That actually helps me tremendously with my own faith! I was thinking about my faith all wrong until I discovered Zen Buddisim. I'm trying to stay away from religion all together but I still hold onto my own personal faith in God. Religious discussions cause arguments & suffering. That's why I try to avoid it at all costs & simply lead by example. Instead of talking about it, we should speak less, & do more to help others. I'm learning the more I open my mouth, the more trouble I get into. 😆 As far as my job goes, if I get focused on helping others no matter what (I'm a massage therapist) & being loyal to my team, then I can get better everyday! Better at remaining focused & present & better at my job! I'm learning that mindset is everything. Thank you for your time. 🙏
Outstanding review. I find Japanese culture and history to be fascinating. You are not the first booktuber I have heard and recommend this I'm going to have to officially put it on the Tbr
Excellent review, I can hardly find the review in my language for this novel which is one of my favorites, I wish more people would read this book, thanks
It takes place during the same time period, and in many ways they compliment each other, but they’re quite different overall in terms of tone and approach.
personally. I doubt the story in that book is true. the problem with modern day swordsmanship is that it is all to be made pretty and isn't as functional as you'd think. you are suppose to be brutal and finish it quickly. one of the reasons I never cared for musashi fandom is because of this. musashi knows what I said but everyone wants the pretty version, because it's romanticized. war/combat isn't pretty and it should stop being made out that way
Unfortunately my copy is currently packed away in a moving box so I can’t confirm, but I believe it is the 5 books. It’s a been a while now since I’ve read it.
I feel you have a lack of understanding of the transitional period in which this very “Victorian” influenced novel was written. While I appreciate your perspective and understanding- your interpretation seems very much weighed by a modernist perspective that works against your narrative. ❤
I’m not sure what you mean by my narrative. How would it be different? I do speak of the historical context as I understood it when I filmed the video (2021). Is there something I got factually incorrect? If you’re referring, instead, to my comments regarding things like the way women were written, please understand that I know what to expect going into a book of this time period, but it’s something I’ll still bring up if it stands out to me. My videos are not literary analysis - they are not even reviews - they are simply me discussing my thoughts as they relate to the books I read. It isn't engaging in Presentism to recognize and to speak about the things that do and don’t connect with me as a 21st-Century reader. I’m hyper-aware of the historical context. In fact, I read older books as much for entertainment as I do to view them as historical artifacts. I have degrees in history and I teach it for a living. Nevertheless, some things age better than others; there’s nothing wrong with saying it out loud.
I started reading this book after reading Takehiko Inoue's Vagabond manga. I think this is the closest i'll get to a complete musashi story since vagabond's haitus
One of the most fun things to do is notice the numerous changes Takehiko made to Yoshikawa’s masterpiece! They’re both very different and I won’t spoil them for you, but it a really flexes Master Inoue’s work as a storyteller as an artist.
I prefere 10 times the book
that's literally what I'm doing now. I've gone through the manga 3 times now so I figured I'd actually finish the story by reading the novel it was based on.
@@Tyler.Burleson hey just finished the manga I want to start the book where the manga events ended, which chapter should I begin with?
@@Esraiimstart from start
I really like this book and this is a fantastic review. This is the most insightful review I’ve seen in a long time actually. Thanks!
Thanks so much! That’s extremely kind to say.
The book handles women very well actually. It even mirrors the protagonist with Otsu being the equivalent to a female Musashi; whereas Musashi is naturally gifted at violence and strength, Otsu is naturally gifted with beauty and harmony. They both make numerous friends along their journey and are often pursued harassed by people who wish to harm their out of jealousy and desire.
They go from wanting different things for each other to wanting the same goal for their future family and harmonious end.
As Matahachi’s mom she’s a great character! Blisteringly annoying and petty but Yoshikawa goes in depth to her character on numerous occasions and she even has a semi arc with her interaction with the Smugglers.
The Audiobook for this is over 30hrs long and I’ve heard it numerous times 😂 it’s that good
I agree that the women have character arcs of their own. It's definitely a great reading experience.
I'm a woman and I kinda felt let down with the women but specifically akemis arc, like nothing she did was amended in the end and she ended with a kid with matahachi so she never really caught a brake
Literally my favorite book. I read it for the first time when I was 16, today I'm 37 and I've probably read it like 10 times already. We think alike about it, there are some points in which the book could be better, but overall it's an amazing read.
After seeing this wonderful discussion/review I’d love to hear your thoughts on Taiko, another of Yoshikawa’s translated works. Maybe something we could look forward to in the future?
I’ll certainly keep it mind. Thank you for watching!
I bought the five book set in paperback back in 1990. It's time I read them again. I agree that women were written in a one dimensional way. Enjoyed your review.
Thank you for watching!
Excellent review! Musashi is one of my favourite novels and I think you did it great justice. I wish more people would read this book.
I agree with you, it's not a perfect novel, and some female characters can feel a bit flat. But even the most annoying female character, the old hag mother character, goes through some character development towards the end. I thought it was also interesting to think what motivates different characters, for example Musashi and Matahachi are both swordsmen but have different motivations. And as such I think the novel can portray a wide range of humanity.
One thing that I found interesting was the emerging of Edo (now Tokyo), the new capital. I felt so immersed and swept away by the history when that happened.
I totally agree with you about Edo; the book does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the historical setting.
I suspect that part of the manipulation of the people that happened in imperial Japan, like Nazi Germany, was a twisting of romantic ideals and a complete stifling of new literature and art that would offer a different perspective. I didn't realize this book was published during that era, but I did just see that it was not published as a novel in Japan until 1971. So perhaps as a serial it wasn't terribly influential? Maybe all the other propaganda in the newspaper canceled out or tainted the perception?
I love me some samurai. I think it might be time to read some historical fiction set in Feudal Japan! There are so many pre-edo structures still standing in Japan that I've seen with my own eyes that I might really like this one despite the flaws. Thanks for the overview!
Woah I really enjoyed this. I am currently reading this book and just reached the second book. I came here to see if the story of musashi would continue. The switch of character bothered me at such a cliff hanger.
Thank you for the honest review. I'm wanting to read all about Musashi! Even though this is fiction, I'm still very interested.
I do try to imply his teachings into my own life. My job, my spiritual faith, my day to day life, & even my marriage.
Being loyal to the one I love most in the world should be something I think of every morning & I do. Even when we get on each other's nerves, which does happen. lol.
I'm also very into Buddisim. That actually helps me tremendously with my own faith! I was thinking about my faith all wrong until I discovered Zen Buddisim. I'm trying to stay away from religion all together but I still hold onto my own personal faith in God. Religious discussions cause arguments & suffering. That's why I try to avoid it at all costs & simply lead by example. Instead of talking about it, we should speak less, & do more to help others. I'm learning the more I open my mouth, the more trouble I get into. 😆
As far as my job goes, if I get focused on helping others no matter what (I'm a massage therapist) & being loyal to my team, then I can get better everyday! Better at remaining focused & present & better at my job! I'm learning that mindset is everything.
Thank you for your time. 🙏
Thank you for the comment. Best of luck on your spiritual journey!
Just came to hear about this swordsman. His life reminds a lot of what scripture explains.
Good book dragged at times but finished up very strong imo
Did you read Shogun by James Clavell? It's also a novel set in feudal Japan, but more from an outsider perspective.
Not yet, but I intend to.
I'm reading it now, thinking about doing a series of evaluating each chapter. I really liked your review
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the book.
Outstanding review. I find Japanese culture and history to be fascinating. You are not the first booktuber I have heard and recommend this I'm going to have to officially put it on the Tbr
It’s a fun, but lengthy, work!
Excellent review, I can hardly find the review in my language for this novel which is one of my favorites, I wish more people would read this book, thanks
Thank you! It’s a great book.
Is this book similar to shogun by James clavele?
It takes place during the same time period, and in many ways they compliment each other, but they’re quite different overall in terms of tone and approach.
Hello… do you know any books about the mongol invasion? I’m interested after playing ghost of Tsushima
I’m sorry, I don’t. Fascinating subject, though!
Good review!
Wait, I bought the abridged version? This is the count of montie cristo all over again!
Thank you.
personally. I doubt the story in that book is true. the problem with modern day swordsmanship is that it is all to be made pretty and isn't as functional as you'd think. you are suppose to be brutal and finish it quickly. one of the reasons I never cared for musashi fandom is because of this. musashi knows what I said but everyone wants the pretty version, because it's romanticized. war/combat isn't pretty and it should stop being made out that way
Certainly, these violent encounters are highly romanticized. The book shows the gore of combat, but none of the grief and horror.
Where did you buy the book?
I think I got it from Amazon a few years ago.
I’m getting Class Flashbacks
One thought: Cortisol & Adrenaline, then tempered with Saki?
Underrated video
Is the book you're holding the same as the series which includes 5 books from eji yoshikawa?
Unfortunately my copy is currently packed away in a moving box so I can’t confirm, but I believe it is the 5 books. It’s a been a while now since I’ve read it.
I feel you have a lack of understanding of the transitional period in which this very “Victorian” influenced novel was written. While I appreciate your perspective and understanding- your interpretation seems very much weighed by a modernist perspective that works against your narrative. ❤
I’m not sure what you mean by my narrative. How would it be different? I do speak of the historical context as I understood it when I filmed the video (2021). Is there something I got factually incorrect?
If you’re referring, instead, to my comments regarding things like the way women were written, please understand that I know what to expect going into a book of this time period, but it’s something I’ll still bring up if it stands out to me. My videos are not literary analysis - they are not even reviews - they are simply me discussing my thoughts as they relate to the books I read. It isn't engaging in Presentism to recognize and to speak about the things that do and don’t connect with me as a 21st-Century reader. I’m hyper-aware of the historical context. In fact, I read older books as much for entertainment as I do to view them as historical artifacts. I have degrees in history and I teach it for a living. Nevertheless, some things age better than others; there’s nothing wrong with saying it out loud.
Thanks
from a western perspective, the book is poorly written. i was often confused as to how events were playing out.
Hi mate where can I message you ??
Therevenantreview@gmail.com