Siddhartha

Siddhartha, written by Hermann Hesse and first published in German in 1922, is a work of philosophical fiction. The book is based closely on the teachings of the spiritual leader Gautama Buddha who lived in present day Nepal or Northern India in the 4th or 5th century BCE. The book tells the story of the physical and spiritual journey of a fictional Brahmin’s son Siddhartha, in his quest for self-discovery and the meaning of existence. The book was translated by Hilda Rosner and first published in the US in 1951. It became popular during the 1960s and has remained an influential spiritual work. Other well-known philosophical works by Hesse, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946, include Demian, Steppenwolf, and The Glass Bead Game.

Plot Summary

The story begins with the description of the clever, handsome, and popular young man Siddhartha, the son of wealthy, educated, and loving Brahmin parents. His friend Govinda is introduced at the same time, and the omniscient third-person narrator describes his admiration for and loyalty to Siddhartha. The protagonist is discontent and restless with many questions in his mind, which remain unanswered by the teachings of the Hindu wise men.