Musashi Readalong-Book III: Fire
by Jenners • 10/21/2010 • Classics, Musashi Readalong • 26 Comments
What’s Happening
It is getting almost impossible to summarize the story—not so much because it is confusing but because people are going everywhere willy nilly and it would take forever to summarize. So, with that in mind, here are the highlights.
- Matahachi is attempting to make a new life for himself but ends up stealing the identity of a dead samurai. He then runs into his mother, Osugi, and Uncle Gon. After a day or two of joyful reunion, Osugi starts to grate on Matahachi’s nerves and he leaves her once again.
- Akemi, who is in love with Musashi, becomes bitterly unhappy when she is violated by a samurai. When she attempts to drown herself, she is saved by Uncle Gon, who loses his life in the process.
- Musashi is getting wiser and more in control of his emotions. This is demonstrated when he runs into Osugi and attempts to deal with her without resorting to violence (a feat that seems near impossible as Osugi is bent on revenge and just a little bit crazy).
- We see the seeds being planted for Musashi’s eventual creation of his unique two-handed sword-fighting technique.
- Jotaro and Otsu have teamed up to look for Musashi together. At the end of the book, Osugi has tricked Otsu into coming with her—separating her and Jotaro. It is unlikely that any good will come from this as we know Osugi wants to harm Otsu.
- Through the entire book, Yoshikawa is setting us up for the big showdown between Musashi and the swordsman from the Yoshioka school, which will take place in the next book.
My Favorite Quote
As with the earlier books, some quotes just jumped out at me. The following quote is taken when Matahachi is talking to a man as they walk past a district populated by prostitutes. Here is how Matahachi’s companion describes the women:
Some were once concubines of the shogun, and there are lots whose fathers were once retainers of some daimyo who have since lost power. It was the same centuries ago when the Taira fell to the Minamoto. You’ll find, my friend, that in the gutters of this floating world, much of the trash consists of fallen flowers.
My Thoughts
- Musashi’s Japan feels like a very small place. Coincidences abound—with everyone always running into everyone else. At times, it almost feels like a comedy.
- Yoshikawa manages to inject a bit of history and commentary with a few pointed discussions of how the merchant class is beginning to gain status, with many samurai no longer having a place in the world and struggling to make a living.
- I’m really enjoying this novelistic approach to biography. It makes for fun reading yet you feel like you’re learning as well.
- I’m digging the readalong posts that feature photos that help make the book come alive so I thought I’d start including some each week as well.
Cryptomeria Tree (This photo is of the oldest one in Japan. It is the national tree of Japan.)
Musashi On The Back Of A Whale (This hasn
If you’re participating in the Musashi Readalong and wrote a post for Book III, please link it up below. (Sorry I’m a bit late with mine!) I’m very much enjoying reading everyone’s posts, and I hope you are all still enjoying the book. My next Musashi post on Book IV: Wind will be posted around October 30th. Happy reading!
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I think I would like the novelistic approach to this biography. So often biographies can get dry in their usual approach. I also like the idea of learning about the culture and history through these interesting stories. Thanks for introducing this series to me, Jenners!
It makes sense to write about a life in novel form … what are our lives if not stories? Of course, it helps when the subject lived hundreds of years before.
I still have about 60 pages left to read in the third book. I’ve gotten so off track and distracted in my reading this week. Like I picked up Before I Fall last night and finished it this morning. So I am completely without decent excuses.
Don’t worry about it. I got off track too. If you want to skip this week and just do next week, that is fine. If I had known it was such an easy read, I might have not scheduled posts after each book!
I do love it when quotes jump out at me while I’m reading.
Happy reading
This book is just full of quotable quotes.
Remind me again….when was this book written? Is it recent or somewhat of a classic?
It was written in the 1970s I believe. It is considered a classic in Japan … their “Gone With The Wind” I’ve been told.
I love historical novels. I expected Samurai to be more noble than what you describe, though.
They are turning out to be a little more flawed than you might expect.
i *haven’t* read this one but i so love following your thoughts! it helps that the photos and “cliffhangers” are completely fab as well! love it!
One of the readalong participants found out that it was written in serialized form back in the day … and it certainly reflects that. Each book ends with a cliffhanger. Glad you’re enjoying these posts … I could see a very small amount of people even considering reading them!!! : 0
Much of the trash consists of fallen flowers – I love it.
Isn’t that such a poetic description? This book is just filled with lovely writing like that.
Wow, I admire you guys doing this readalong! It seems like a huge book that encompasses so much! I hope you end up enjoying it all the way through!
I hope we enjoy it all the way through. I’ve been surprised how accessible and interesting the book has been … and here I was scared of it for so many years!
I have decided to read these AND IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT. I’m not sure if they will be very next but I think the Bear is going to do it with me. It’ll take me an age, though, so you’ll have forgotten them by then.
I will not be held responsible for your reading experience (or Bear’s) and I doubt I’ll forget this book … it is 970 pages long you know! One doesn’t tend to forget something that long!!!
I will be so interested to see what you think.
Great post – it’s quite fun figuring out what to do with each weeks reading. Summaries are definitely out that’s for sure. I love the comedy aspect too…..very French farce and I find some of the dialogue hilarious.
Love the whale picture – haven’t come across that one.
Still enjoying the experience but I might be the late one next week as its a long holiday weekend here and that always leaves me trying to catch up with things.
I agree … summaries are out except for major developments. I really enjoyed looking for photos to go with the posts though. It was fun to see all the different depictions of Musashi.
I’ll probably be late next week too. Now that I got a part-time job, I’m having trouble keeping up with stuff. No worries!
I’m going to start making a library list because my Amazon cart is bursting. Thank you very much.
It is cheaper that way…
I don’t have anything to say about Musashi, as I’ve not read it. The picture of the whale is absolutely beautiful, though.
I did want to say, though, that every time I open up your blog homepage, the photos along the top make me smile!
Isn’t that whale photo lovely?
And I’m glad the photos make you smile! They make me smile too.
Awesome…and I’ve got a great book for you today, too!
Oooh…I can’t wait to see.