49 pages 1 hour read

Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1922

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse follows Siddhartha, the son of a Brahmin, as he leaves home to seek spiritual enlightenment. Joined by his friend Govinda, Siddhartha experiments with different lifestyles, befriends a ferryman named Vasudeva, and meets the courtesan Kamala. He later abandons a life of wealth and sensual pleasures, ultimately finding inner peace and understanding through his experiences and the teachings of nature.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha garners praise for its profound philosophical insights and lyrical prose. Readers appreciate its exploration of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the themes overly abstract. Its cultural and spiritual significance remains a central point of admiration.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Siddhartha?

Readers who enjoy Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse are often drawn to introspective and philosophical literature that explores themes of spirituality and self-discovery. Fans of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist or Hermann Hesse’s own Steppenwolf will appreciate the book’s contemplative style and quest for enlightenment.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Philosophy

Topics

Philosophy

Religion / Spirituality

History: Asian

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality