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ed_moore's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This was so so so unbelievably good. I don’t know why nor how but Hesse’s ‘Siddhartha’ absolutely broke me, especially in its conclusion. It is a bildungsroman tale of a young man in India 600 years before the birth of Christ, and his gaining of a Buddhist faith, the loss of that faith and the rediscovery of it again. It is a quaint tale of a quest for enlightenment which explores what it means to be human in so many degrees and in such a profound way. I really didn’t expect much from this book when I started it but it absolutely blew me away.
Hesse’s writing is so well done and encapsulates so much emotion, and though by no means religious myself it was such a hopeful and sweet story that brought me so much joy and pushed so much good. The amount covered in the short length and character development was brilliant, and there are dark sections and triggers but despite this it still felt completely pure, and these elements had such crucial purposes. Not to mention the narrator of the audiobook I listened to, James Langton, pronounced the name ‘Siddhartha’ in such a satisfying way.
The ending really struck me and significantly jumped up my rating too. I don’t know what it was about ti but the description was beautiful and profound, and the story feeling so complete, that it really had an effect on me. I was listening to final chapter just in complete awe at how amazingly written a work of literature it was. I am so surprised how much I enjoyed this book as it really isn’t typically my sort of interests but it was so brilliant. I absolutely adored it.
Om.
Om.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
caffinatedslug's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death and Pregnancy
livelaughomo's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexual content
dlrosebyh's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the tale of a rich Indian Brahmin who gives up his privileged lifestyle in search of enlightenment. Hesse combines several philosophical perspectives—including Eastern faiths, Jungian archetypes, and Western individualism—into a singular interpretation of life as it is revealed through the pursuit of genuine meaning by one man.
This is such a fantastic tale of a man learning the true meaning of serenity after passing through several stages, in my opinion. I wasn't sure whether I would like it because I don't read philosophy books very often, and they tend to be hit or miss for most people, but this one is certainly a hit because Siddharta is somewhat similar to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Death
solarorange's review against another edition
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
bookishlucy's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Misogyny
cptnstphy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Siddhartha came at an important time of growth in my life, and I wish to own it now to re-read it annually as I navigate building my Self and spiritual awareness and beliefs. The most positive lasting effect this book had on me is that I now pause to meditate and/or listen to any river I encounter to hear its teachings (or to hear more clearly the inner workings of my mind).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
irisirae's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
" He smiled at the river. Was this not the river in which he had once wished to drown himself - hundred of years ago - or had he dreamt it?"
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
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