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Title: Persimmon Wind

Subtitle: A Martial Artist's Journey in Japan

Author: Dave Lowry

Narrator: Brian Nishii

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-20-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Travel & Adventure, Essays & Travelogues

Publisher's Summary:

Persimmon Wind - part memoir, part martial arts history, and part travelogue - relates Dave Lowry's experiences as he travels to Japan to reunite with his sensei, visit the graves of others of his martial lineage, and explore a country and culture that profoundly influenced his life.

Lowry's account reveals a Japan unlikely to be witnessed by the average Westerner. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the martial arts, Lowry acts as an interpreter of sorts, deftly describing for the listener the myriad ways in which Japan's subtle, yet rich customs and rituals inform and enrich the seemingly mundane practices of life. On his journey, he interweaves musings from his daily encounters - his introduction to an old ryokan-keeper; a contemplative visit to Kyoto's Daitokuji, "Temple of Great Virtue"; he even spots a ghost or two - with reflections on local history and the philosophies and origins of the Shinkage-ryu, one of Japan's oldest schools of classical swordsmanship.

At the same time, Lowry's experiences in Japan serve as an unexpected opportunity, bringing him to terms with the extraordinary relationship that exists between teacher and student, with his own past, his place in the long line of swordsmen from whom he has come, and with the challenge he faces in integrating the cultural streams of East and West.

Members Reviews:

Who checked the publication?

First, let me start by saying that I am a big fan of Mr. Lowry's work and I have thoroughly enjoyed all his writings that I've read to date. I have been amused, inspired, and moved by each book. When I ordered this "sequel" to Autumn Lightning, I was expecting more of the same. It's not. It's distinctly different in style and in character, whether that be due to advances in writing technique, artistry, or simple maturation. I enjoyed the book immensely. What I most definately did NOT enjoy was the numerous typos, misspellings, and plain lack of work done by the publishing house to review the results of their process. There are paragraphs where there are 3-4 mistakes within 4 or 5 lines. This is unacceptable. I sincerely hope a second edition corrects these grevious errors, because they detract from Mr. Lowry's work. I think he especially would be ironically appreciative of the errors because they are like rocks placed incorrectly in a suieseki landscape. As a writer, Mr. Lowry rates a 5...but the lackadaisical efforts of the publishing house reduces that rating to a 3.

Persimmon Wind: A Martial Artist's Journey In Japan

I have been a fan of Dave Lowry's writing for some time, then I had decided to read this book. This is by far one of the best reads of my life. The suthor has a great ability to capture small nuances of the japanese experience and convey's beautifully to the reader. The details of the bathhouse experience, and well as the samll dojo where he and his sensei practiced iaido, was a great treasure to be read. The book served as additional travel guide on my visit to japan, especially when visiting kyoto and the butokuden. I would highly advise this to all, including budokas, and writers. I presently read this book atleast once a year.

The sequel

This book is an excellent read for those who love Japanese history and their connection to the martial arts.