Siddhartha

By Hermann Hesse

A young man's quest for enlightenment leads him from decadence to renunciation.

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121 pages· 34,816 words

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Bookroo's summary

In ancient India, a young Brahmin named Siddhartha embarks on a profound journey to discover ultimate truth. After encountering the Buddha, he explores the extremes of indulgence and asceticism, seeking meaning beyond wealth and sensual pleasures. As he grapples with personal loss and the challenges of fatherhood, Siddhartha's path unfolds into a deeper understanding of life and renunciation. Will he find the enlightenment he seeks, or will the quest itself reveal unexpected truths? Dive into this timeless tale of spiritual awakening and self-discovery.

From the publisher

Hermann Hesse’s moving and inspirational chronicle of spiritual enlightenment, with an introduction by Paulo Coehlo Siddhartha is perhaps the most important and compelling moral allegory our troubled century has produced. Integrating Eastern and Western spiritual traditions with psychoanalysis and philosophy, this strangely simple tale, written with a deep and moving empathy for humanity, has touched the lives of millions since its original publication in 1922. Set in India, Siddhartha is the story of a young Brahmin’s search for ultimate reality after meeting with the Buddha. His quest takes him from a life of decadence to asceticism, from the illusory joys of sensual love with a beautiful courtesan, and of wealth and fame, to the painful struggles with his son and the ultimate wisdom of renunciation. If you enjoyed Siddhartha, you might like Hesse’s Steppenwolf, also available in Penguin Classics.

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