Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse: A Review

Title: Siddharta
Author: Hermann Hesse
Narration: Third Person
Original Language: German
Translated Language: English
Publication: 1992
Overall Rating: 4/5
Genre: Philosophical Fiction,  Spirituality
Significant Characters: Siddhartha, Govinda, Kamala, Vasudeva

An Overview of Siddhartha:

A fascinating, simple, and inspiring story!

Siddhartha holds a special place in my heart for plenty of reasons. The first and foremost reason is that it was suggested by one of my favorite teachers.

I speculated that the book would only be about spiritualism. Indeed, it is about spiritualism. However, it also touches on the dubious currents of self-identity.  The novel plays with the inner conflicts of a man and connects believers of God at multiple points.

What Is in The Novel?

Siddhartha narrates the story of a young Brahmin, Siddhartha. In quest of peace and true religion, he casts aside everything to ascend the ladder of self-identity and union with God.

Sometimes, he goes with the flow that opens up the door to new incomplete puzzles in his mind. Other times,  he follows traditional religious practices to answer the intricacies of the mind and carnal desires.

Siddhartha seeks Nirvana from many wise people yet the pearls of wisdom do not match his box. Ultimately, these experiences fashion a bridge of enlightenment for him leading him to the destination of oneness with God.

He attains Nirvana through his connection with a river: a simple river reflecting the whole universe, the cycles of life, and an epitome of peace.

Book Review:

This classic tale has inspired many readers, tickled with the minds of thinkers, and proved to be a delight for the critics.

Hesse deftly blends Eastern and its religious philosophies with the concept of individualism prevailing in the West.

After reading the book, I had so many unanswered questions in my mind. When you read the book, you will not only experience these types of questions but also feel the common points of sharing between different religions.

Similarly, the character development of Siddhartha is realistic and gradual. Starting his journey from being a young person, he earns profound peace through peaks of trials and tribulations.

The other characters, be it Govinda or Kamala,  that meet him Siddhartha on the way to his spiritual awakening are inspiring and informing as well.  Siddharta not only inspires them but he seeks inspiration from them too. The way he impacts the life of the prostitute is also very amusing and awakening.

One of the best qualities of Siddharta is that he alters the course of action of people unintentionally yet realistically.

Very beautifully,  Hesse advises the readers to keep on going, to make right or wrong choices, and to keep their eyes open. These choices will offer you a treasure of invaluable experiences. 

It teaches how to sustain inner peace and not just achieve it. The last chapters are pregnant with wisdom and knowledge of life and self.

Writing style of Siddhartha:

The writing style is simple and understandable. Difficult terms have been explained quite well. The translator uses plain language to develop concrete and engaging characters in the novel.

Recommendation:

Yes, I would recommend it to everyone who is battling to find identity, explore the meaning of life, and connect with God.

Do give it a read to explore what is hidden there for you.