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Siddhartha

Hermann Hesse

Start date: May 1, 2016

Finish date: May 31, 2016

Discussion: Short Story/Novella Collection

Why we're reading this: Monthly Short Story, May 2016
[close] Monthly Short Story, May 2016

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Short Story/Novella Collection

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What Members Thought

Nov 08, 2018 Jim Townsend rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

An excellent novel about a young Brahmin's coming of age and search for spiritual fulfilment, this is Hermann Hesse's most well-known work. ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 10, 2013 Melanti rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 1001-books, 2013, classics, audiobook, religion

I was mentally arguing with this book for the first 2/3 of it. I just didn't agree with what I thought it was it was trying to say, so by the time it turned the corner and moderated its message a little bit, I was so set on disagreeing, it was really difficult to see even the portions of the philosophy I do agree with.

I guess my biggest issue is I'm not in the least bit ascetic. While I don't see the point of having stuff just to have stuff, I also don't see the point of avoiding having stuff ju ...more

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Jul 10, 2016 Brenda H rated it it was ok · review of another edition

This was a difficult read for me. It was boring and I really disliked the main character, Siddhartha. It's considered one of the most widely read books of the 20th century as it became a favorite of the counterculture of the 1960s and had been on my list for a while. Now, that's taken care of...lol. Rating: 1.5 stars

From the book's Introduction: "Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha is a great story, a tale of a gifted individual struggling to discover the meaning of his life. Through his many colorful ad ...more

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Dec 04, 2018 Michael Sump rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Siddhartha, 4 stars, Hermann Hesse

I wrestled with this book. 3 stars, 4 stars, 5 stars? It’s a classic of sorts and as deep a dive into Hinduism and Buddhism as I’ve yet attempted. I read it back in my 20s and now again in my 60s. I admit to being much more critical now. In truth, it’s a bit of a snooze and is heavy on philosophy and light on story.

I read it because it was the monthly choice of our book club. The story is narrow (i.e. simple), but proved again to be quite deep. In the end, I g ...more

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