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Jul 27, 2018RogerDeBlanck rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Hermann Hesse’s timeless classic is one of the greatest novels of self-discovery ever written. The character of Siddhartha represents the legendary historical figure of the Buddha himself, Siddhartha Guatama, who devoted his life to the fulfillment of self-understanding and spiritual release. The ideas Hesse expresses through the character of Siddhartha are reminiscent of the paths that many Eastern religions, such as Buddhism, endeavor upon to reach ultimate self-knowledge while renouncing worldly possessions. Hesse’s fluid prose and transcendent philosophy masterfully convey the anguish and adversity Siddhartha faces in pursuit of cleansing his body and mind of desire in an effort to merge with the greater spiritual forces of the cosmos. Arguably Hesse’s most important piece of writing, this short novel has been and will probably remain his most popular for centuries to come due to its brevity, inspiration, and accessibility. Readers will finish this book feeling uplifted and rewarded with a new perspective on how to approach and appreciate the value of life.