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Siddhartha Hardcover – January 1, 1951
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length132 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherNew Directions Publishing Corporation
- Publication dateJanuary 1, 1951
- Dimensions5.73 x 0.74 x 8.72 inches
- ISBN-100811202925
- ISBN-13978-0811202923
- Lexile measure1010L
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book provides profound insights into the human experience and life's purpose. They describe it as a pleasant, easy read with a simple writing style. Readers praise the story as moving and feel-good, calling it a classic that can teach you something about life. The author is praised as a genius and a masterwork.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book insightful and profound. They describe it as a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. The book is described as thought-provoking, haunting, and effective in conveying the wisdom of the middle path.
"...This novel is a profound exploration of the human experience, as it explores themes such as spiritual growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of..." Read more
"...church have read it, and rave about it, and I can't praise the accessible wisdom and enjoyable reading enough...." Read more
"A beautiful, haunting novel of spiritual growth and development. Hesse was a talented writer who explored some of the pulsing questions of life...." Read more
"...The story is simple, but deeply meaningful. What is your path, how do you go about, what are you willing to bear and sacrifice...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read with a simple and direct writing style. They find it enjoyable and thought-provoking, with poetic prose that fits the subject matter.
"...Hesse's writing style is both elegant and poetic. "Siddhartha" has the power to transform readers and change their lives for the better...." Read more
"...rave about it, and I can't praise the accessible wisdom and enjoyable reading enough. Just as most people say, it is life changing...." Read more
"...Hesse was a talented writer who explored some of the pulsing questions of life...." Read more
"...Closure. All themes this magnificent short read will dip into and leave with a certain sense of understanding. Run with that...." Read more
Customers find the story engaging and enlightening. They describe it as a classic novel that teaches valuable life lessons. Readers praise the writing as captivating and clever.
"...Overall, "Siddhartha" is a profound and deeply moving novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds...." Read more
"...more rigid, but either way, the story, and writing is masterful and captivating...." Read more
"...What makes this story so engaging (without sharing too much) is the way the ending reflects the beginning...." Read more
"...The story is simple, but deeply meaningful. What is your path, how do you go about, what are you willing to bear and sacrifice...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's writing style. They find the book a masterwork and a good introduction to Hesse's work. The book is described as concise yet complex, providing a satisfactory experience.
"...This narrative arch marks this book as a masterwork and calls the reader to question long after reading." Read more
"...Must read for anyone interested in philosophy. Herman Hesse does a fantastic job." Read more
"...Great authorship." Read more
"Herman Hesse is a genius. I wish I could read the German copy but I was glad that this translation was so on point...." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023"Siddhartha" tells the story of a young man's journey toward enlightenment. This novel is a profound exploration of the human experience, as it explores themes such as spiritual growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. Hesse's writing style is both elegant and poetic.
"Siddhartha" has the power to transform readers and change their lives for the better. The story follows Siddhartha, a young man who sets out on a journey to find enlightenment, but finds that the path to true wisdom is fraught with obstacles and challenges. Along the way, he meets a range of characters who help him to learn and grow, and ultimately he discovers the true meaning of life.
One of the most striking aspects of "Siddhartha" is its focus on the importance of personal growth and self-discovery. Hesse reminds us that we all have the potential to achieve greatness, but that we must be willing to confront our fears and weaknesses in order to do so. The novel encourages us to embrace our unique talents and gifts and to live our lives with purpose and intention.
Overall, "Siddhartha" is a profound and deeply moving novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Hesse's writing is both beautiful and insightful, and his exploration of the human experience is both timeless and universal. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment, or simply looking for a great work of literature to read, "Siddhartha" is an absolute must-read.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024There are several translations from the original German on the market, and each one will appeal to a different audience. Reviews suggest that some are softer, and some more rigid, but either way, the story, and writing is masterful and captivating. I read a 1951 translation, I bought this one for my sister, who says it is exceeding expectations, and my wife and son are reading a Danish language translation. Many people at church have read it, and rave about it, and I can't praise the accessible wisdom and enjoyable reading enough. Just as most people say, it is life changing. Read it one way or another.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2017A beautiful, haunting novel of spiritual growth and development. Hesse was a talented writer who explored some of the pulsing questions of life. His book on his experience in school, Beneath the Wheel, is one of my favorites. Siddhartha is probably the work to start with when reading Hesse (it's one of his most well-known), if not Demian or Steppenwolf before working up to The Glassbead Game.
What makes this story so engaging (without sharing too much) is the way the ending reflects the beginning. This narrative arch marks this book as a masterwork and calls the reader to question long after reading.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2023I came late into the game when in comes to Hesse, but I feel as though it is never too late to take a shot at this book. The story is simple, but deeply meaningful. What is your path, how do you go about, what are you willing to bear and sacrifice. What is enlightenment, and how do we achieve this? Closure. All themes this magnificent short read will dip into and leave with a certain sense of understanding. Run with that. Cannot recommend this book enough to those who love to have some philosophical perspective in their reads.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2019I'd say this book was a serious diamond in the rough. Readers look to "get something" out of a book, generally. After reading Siddhartha, I came away feeling a part of a similar process as the protagonist, Siddhartha: life and reading is about significance; you must surrender your own aims to understand we're all part of a bigger system "river" or cycle that cares little of our petty problems. Basically surrendering ego is of utmost importance to understand the wisdom in front of you.
Thus one must NOT have an aim to experience "Om" is to be free, receptive, and have no goal. Simply obsorbing life and a book entails opening ones life, mind, and emotions for enlightenment or self wisdom.
The book is an easy read much can be gained--especially if the reader interprets the text from a western perspective.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024A little racy but fun to read. The ending was down wisely and with ease. I liked it and saved it in my library of books.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2014A simply told tale which is really a reflection of the life of Buddha.
Still room for thought and reflection on his teachings
- Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2012This is a great little book, especially if you happen to be going through a spiritual or midlife crisis such as I am right now. It's written with a compassion and an understanding of the human heart that is rarely seen in contemporary literature. What baffles me is why the author would intentionally title the book to mislead people into thinking it was the story of Siddartha Gautama, the actual Buddha. This book chronicles the life story of another man, a contemporary of the Buddha, who was also named Siddhartha. That just seems rather silly to me, and I see no reason why the author couldn't have given the protagonist a different name (unless he wanted to convey the message that we ALL possess the Buddha nature). I think the book should at least have a preface which explains that the following story is not the life story of the historical Buddha. I believe I understand why the author didn't focus on the life story of Gautama himself: because that is not what is important. Most of the details of his life are probably more myth than fact, so the author leaves the myth aside and focuses instead on the mundane experiences of one simple man in a search for wisdom. I won't spoil anything for the potential reader except to say that by the book's end he or she will have plenty of food for thought.
Top reviews from other countries
BrunoReviewed in Canada on April 24, 20225.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful binding/cover of a classic
A classic, short read that I’ve read a few times as my life has evolved. First as a young person in my 20’s. Then as a new father in my early 30s. Now once more as I approach my 40’s. It’s an interesting read if you’re generally interested in eastern religions/philosophy, but it’s a good read on its own as well.
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AlperenReviewed in Turkey on November 11, 20244.0 out of 5 stars Font
Cep boy olduğu için yazılar biraz ufak, onun dışında çok kaliteli baskı ve harika bir hikaye.
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SusanaReviewed in Spain on November 10, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Bonita edición
Un pequeño gran libro
Yolo MinneapolisReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Sublime
This book is so intensely packed with meaning it will take you many days afterwards to process it. It is beautifully translated and wonderfully written. It is a shame that the author is so misunderstood in the West, however for those who appreciate great works, this is surely one of them.
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k.A.B.Reviewed in Germany on March 2, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Gutes Buch
Sehr guter Zustand, super verpackt. Leider auf Englisch. Ich hätte wohl besser aufpassen müssen. :-)


