49 pages • 1 hour read
Steppenwolf
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1920s
1927
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse is a 1927 novel presented as a manuscript by Harry Haller, a lonely, suicidal middle-aged man who encounters a “magic theater” leading to a series of surreal, transformative events. Despite initial outrage over its depictions of sex and drug use, the novel is now revered as a major twentieth-century German literary work.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
193,003 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse explores the duality of human nature through its protagonist, Harry Haller. The novel's psychological depth and existential themes resonate with many readers, though some find its narrative structure challenging and the philosophical introspection at times heavy-handed. Overall, it's praised for its profound reflections on the human condition.
Who Should Read Steppenwolf?
Readers who enjoy existential introspection, psychological depth, and the exploration of duality in human nature will find Steppenwolf compelling. Similar to those who appreciate Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground or Camus' The Stranger, this novel appeals to individuals drawn to profound philosophical inquiries and intricate character studies.
193,003 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1920s
1927
Adult
18+ years
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