Siddhartha (Sacred Books, #1) (Tales from India) (Shambhala Classics) (Mondo Folktales) (Picador Books) (Cathedral Classics) (Peter Owen Cased Classics) (Jefferson Publication) (Modern Library) (Enriched Classics) (ThINKing Classics)

Item: Siddhartha
Rating: 4.00
Author: bettyehollands

by Hermann Hesse

Hermann Hesse's moving and inspirational chronicle of spiritual enlightenment, with an introduction by Paulo Coehlo

Siddhartha is perhaps the most important and compelling moral allegory our troubled century has produced. Integrating Eastern and Western spiritual traditions with psychoanalysis and philosophy, this strangely simple tale, written with a deep and moving empathy for humanity, has touched the lives of millions since its original publication in 1922. Set in India, Siddhartha is the story of a young Brahmin's search for ultimate reality after meeting with the Buddha. His quest takes him from a life of decadence to asceticism, from the illusory joys of sensual love with a beautiful courtesan, and of wealth and fame, to the painful struggles with his son and the ultimate wisdom of renunciation.

If you enjoyed Siddhartha, you might like Hesse's Steppenwolf, also available in Penguin Classics.

Reviewed by bettyehollands on Mar 29, 2014

4 of 5 stars

A bit short but I was told to pause at the end of every chapter (which I did) to fully absorb the work. I appreciated it but I think I would have liked it more had I "studied" it. A pretty good read.

Reading updates

Started reading
29 March, 2014: Finished reading
29 March, 2014: Reviewed