Siddhartha

Ive read Hermann Hesses Siddhartha every year in the month of my birth since 1978. Most of those years I read the 1951 New Directions edition. In recent years there have been a dozen other translations of this work, some good and some not as good. This particular translation doesnt tell us who the publisher is, who translated it, or anything else about the publications - take a hint. The problem with this translation is not necessary the translation, it read smoothly enough, however, there are somewhere around a dozen errors in tense, typos, wrong word (through vs. thorough) etc. throughout the text that are more than obvious. I would suggest that if this publisher does a second edition they might want to consider proofreading the text. I do recommend Hesses Siddhartha HIGHLY. I would, however, suggest picking another publisher.

Wonderful book. Five stars, but I have to dock one star because of the way Amazon is handling the translations. If choosing the right translation matters to you, be aware that the Kindle version on Amazon is the Susan Bernofsky translation, no matter what the cover image shows or (seemingly) what the author information says on Amazon. After initially downloading a Kindle version (reasonable at 99¢) I found the translation to be awkward in places and wanted to compare others. The translator is not listed anywhere in the actual Kindle book. I determined, by searching on other websites, that I probably was reading the Susan Bernofsky translation. After doing some investigating, I decided I wanted to read the Hilda Rosner translation and looked for a Kindle version of that translation. Twice I thought Id downloaded the preferred edition--once going by the cover, which matched the Rosner paperback, and once going by the fact that Rosner was listed along with Hesse as the author. Both times the downloaded copy turned out to be the Bernofsky. Caveat emptor.

This book was recommended to me by a friend of mine. I was hesitant at first, but Im glad I gave it a chance. Many life lessons to be learned on human nature. From our desires to learn and explore the world at a young age and seek knowledge, to getting lost in the pleasure of power, material things and sex, this book covers it all. It also shows the many levels of changes we go through as we learn about ourselves and the world. And finally finding your true purpose and fully embarrassing it. It was a great read and I would recommend Siddhartha to anyone looking to seek a deeper meaning of life.

I find myself often bored with books. With no result or meaning to them, but this book I could not put down. As it was relatable and beautiful to read. Every chapter of Siddharthas journey gave insight for anyone to benefit from. I reccomend this book to anyone who would like to reach deeper understanding of the self.

Friends: As a Research Engineer and Scholar of Comparative Religion and Philosophy I have read this book every few years since I was about 10 years old [ now 53 ]. I have made an attempt to know more than most people about the evolution of human consciousness. One day Siddhartha realizes that the Soul [ Collective Consciousness ] of every human being is like a river flowing toward the Superconciousness [ aka God ]. As such, there is only one Soul flowing through all of us. Those people out there are all YOU. They are not your brothers, and sisters, strangers and friends but YOU. You can Google my name to Learn more...... Arthur Gerard Michael Baron von Boennighausen

Hesses books have always found me in very specific moments, Steppen wolf first marked me as it showed that theres a place for all and everyone of us. Now Siddhartha, has shown me that I/we have been looking too far, learning from others, and lost track. Put it down after finished, but still in/with it in my head. One of my professors in college said a good book is like and axe has struck your head. Well Siddhartha is a double strike, one to the head and one to the soul.

When I began my career in education, a psychology instructor, where I worked, placed SIDDHARTHA on reserve in the college library. I did not know much about the book until reading it.How wonderful it would have been to have read this book as a freshman in college in 1960. Now, I can see parallels from the book with Biblical teachings, my life experiences and education. I recommend it highly to my friends and my children . Waiting - thinking - fasting - love.

Even a great writer can overreach. The story this tells of a holy man who starts a search for enlightenment, sort of finds it, is seduced by wealth, leaves it, etc. etc. The book is certainly readable. The characters (except Siddhartha) are not well developed or simple walk-ons. But at the beginning, middle and end I find myself wondering exactly what religion is described. I am no expert in eastern religion but feel as if the book mixes Buddhism and certain Hindu sects... but thats just me. Maybe I dont understand what he was getting at when this book was published, in German, 92 years ago. But it is readable, doesnt take long to read and is sort of a feel good book.

I’m not a very avid reader. I have probably read 100 books in my 28 years. That being said, I just finished reading this book for the 3rd time. It’s one of my all-time favorites. It provides many great lessons if you read it for the intent to learn. I am not Buddhist, but anyone can learn a bit about living a peace life from this book. Highly recommended.

I read Siddartha about 40 years ago along with all of the other books written by Hesse, a number by Kafka, and other existentialist authors. Im so glad I took.the time to read it again. Reading it now, in my sixties, my perspective is findamentally different than it was in my twenties. With Siddartha, Hesse wrote something simultaneously similar to and different from his typical fare. He delved into Eastern Mysticism and my very limited knowledge of Buddhism tells me that he got it right. Siddartha is the story of a young Hindu, a Brahma ftom a high caste family who gives up everything in his search for truth and self. Throughout the book, he uses his knowledge and skills to prosper in whatever venture he might try... be it religion, business, or love. None however fill the void, or answer his question, what is it all about? Finally, it the river that calls to him and brings him the answers he has always sought. Siddartha is a book that can be enjoyed by everyone including those seeking answers themselves.