49 pages • 1 hour read
Siddhartha
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Book Brief
152
Novel • Fiction
India • Ancient Times
1922
Adult
18+ years
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.
Contemplative
Serene
Nostalgic
Inspirational
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
796,797 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
796,797 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Govinda
Govinda
Siddhartha’s lifelong friend and fellow seeker who remains a devoted follower and often crosses paths with Siddhartha throughout their respective spiritual journeys.
Kamala
Kamala
A skilled courtesan who becomes Siddhartha's lover and teacher in the art of love and life in the business world, later giving birth to his son.
152
Novel • Fiction
India • Ancient Times
1922
Adult
18+ years
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