Siddhartha

Herman Hesse

Nov 2013 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

In the novel, Siddhartha, a young man, leaves his family for a contemplative life, then, restless, discards it for one of the flesh. He conceives a son, but bored and sickened by lust and greed, moves on again. Near despair, Siddhartha comes to a river where he hears a unique sound. This sound signals the true beginning of his life -- the beginning of suffering, rejection, peace, and, finally, wisdom.

Ratings and reviews

i found so many parts of myself in this book! maybe some answers too. i am considerably new to reading Herman Hesse's books and this one is just as amazing as Demian! this book is for people who want to go beyond judging, beyond themselves and mediocre outlook to the world but also find themselves once again. if not, the book will surprise you with so many satisfying content. does not require an especially strong language, it is great enough for someone using a second language to get through it.

The book clearly brings out that every individual has to be a persistent achiever. No teaching can make make any man perfect but his own toils takes him to higher heights. Siddhartha retains his separate identity, goes on achieving. At the long last raises to Gotamas heights. The reality as a whole and every bit of it reflects the divinity and to love each and every it is the way to realize the ultimate Truth. The language and style of narration is like a river, the river called life. And as we reach the end of the novel we still begin to be driven away in the river experiencing the awe and perfection of it. A very good narrative.

Really good read. Very insightful with some very understandable yet beautiful imagery. However, I recommend reading the last 15 pages or so in silence and contemplation since its a lot to take in. Aside from that only problems are grammatical errors. Great book

About the author

Hermann Hesse (July 2, 1877 -- August 9, 1962) was a German poet, novelist, essayist and painter. His best-known works included Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, and The Glass Bead Game, each of which explores an individual's search for authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality. In 1946, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Hess publicly announced his views on the savagery of World War I, and was considered a traitor. He moved to Switzerland where he eventually became a naturalized citizen. He warned of the advent of World War II, predicting that cultureless efficiency would destroy the modern world. His theme was usually the conflict between the elements of a person's dual nature and the problem of spiritual loneliness. His first novel, Peter Camenzind, was published in 1904. His masterpiece, Death and the Lover (1930), contrasts a scholarly abbot and his beloved pupil, who leaves the monastery for the adventurous world. Steppenwolf (1927), a European bestseller, was published when defeated Germany had begun to plan for another war. It is the story of Haller, who recognizes in himself the blend of the human and wolfish traits of the completely sterile scholarly project. During the 1960s Hesse became a favorite writer of the counter culture, especially in the United States, though his critical reputation has never equaled his popularity. Hermann Hesse died in 1962.