Musashi Week 1 - Book1: The Little Bell - The Dowagers Wrath

[Kristi]

This thread is for the first 46 pages (in my edition) Book 1: The Little Bell - The Dowagers Wrath. Thoughts?

[Kristi]

I'm not English scholar and mostly I read for enjoyment, so I may be missing something more "deep" but here's my thoughts on this first section:

I was pulled into the story right away, I was afraid that, with having this book written so long ago it would be very dry but it gets off to a really great start. (view spoiler)[ The opening scene reminds me somewhat of the aftermath of the WWII battles I've read about. I could picture the scene vividly in my mind and can only imagine Takezo's relief that his friend lived! The journey that they go on is interesting, walking to the house and the welcome thy find there as well as the drama that ensues with the freebooter and then Matahachi abandoning Takezo. To have your best friend abandon you after you've battled together and survived seems heartbreaking to me. As Takezo makes his way home and is pursued by the Samurai, I wonder how Takezo will rescue his sister and how he will evolve into the great sword master that we know he ends up being. Matahachi's grandmother is very wily and I'm interested to see if she has a further part in the story of if her part is at an end! (hide spoiler)]

This section reminds me what it is to be young, crazy and brash and expect the world to bend to your wishes. I can't wait to read the next section.