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Siddhartha (New Directions Paperback)

Nobel Prize in Literature

Siddhartha (New Directions Paperback)

Hermann Hesse

The story follows Siddhartha, a young Brahmin’s son, as he passes through asceticism, worldly experience, encounters, and loss in search of truth and selfhood. Eastern thought and a quiet, lyrical style support the novel’s spiritual search.

spiritual questself-realizationEastern thoughtenlightenmentsolitude

Work Information

A young man moves through doubt and wandering in an effort to reach his own truth.

Where Eastern thought meets Western individualism, Siddhartha moves through asceticism, worldly pleasure, loss, and renewal until he finds a way of living that is his own. It remains one of Hesse’s defining novels, sustained by a quiet force.

Review Summaries

  • It has long been valued as a story of spiritual seeking. Many readers praise its lucid, musical prose and the clarity of the journey toward self-discovery, while some find its allegorical quality a little distant.

Book Information

Publisher
New Directions
Published
1957-06-01
Pages
128 pages
Language
英語
Size
13.21 x 1.02 x 20.32 cm
ISBN-13
9780811200684
ISBN-10
081120068X
Price
2189 JPY
Category
洋書/Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction/Metaphysical

Blends elements of psychoanalysis and Asian religions to probe an Indian aristocrat's efforts to renounce sensual and material pleasures and discover ultimate spiritual truths

Hermann Hesse was born in 1877 in Calw, Germany. He grew to become a celebrated author and the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946. As the son of missionaries, he developed a fascination with self-discovery and spiritual explorations, an interest also likely due in part to his lifelong struggle with depression, which led him to study Sigmund Freud and, later, to undergo psychoanalysis with Carl Jung. In 1912 he moved to Switzerland, where he wrote his best-known books, including the classic Siddhartha; composed poetry; and painted landscapes. He passed away in 1962 in Montagnola, Switzerland. Hesse is one of the most widely translated authors of the twentieth century; his work continues to have influence worldwide. Hilda Rosner is an author and translator.

Reviews

  • 生涯に残る作品です

    10代の時に一度ひょんな機会で巡り会い、衝撃を受けた作品。思春期は多感な時期で、自分は何者だろう、自分の人生はどういう意味があるんだろう、どうやって生きれば自分らしい人生をおくることができるだろう、と悩んでいた時に、この作品がガツン、と殴り込みをかけるかのように自分の生き方、考え方に激しく影響したのでした。 その頃から「自分の人生に一番影響を及ぼした作品」としてこの一冊を挙げてましたが、この度、再び同じ版を購入することができ、再度読んでみたところ、再び開眼した、というほど大袈裟ではなくても、その時に気づかなかったことに気づくことができ、また生きる目的、幸せとは何か、を考えることになりました。西欧の作品なのに東洋の文化が取り上げられてるということで珍しいとされてるそうですが、それだけではなく、「自己淘汰」という普遍的なテーマをうまく扱ってる作品です。

  • 出会えて幸せでした

    いままで50年近く生きてきて出会えて良かった本が2冊ありますが、その内の一冊がこの本です。留学中に教師に勧められてよみました。最初は教師に「こんな訳のわからん本をすすめやがって」と直接非難、抗議しました。 読み終えた後、即謝罪と、感謝にいきました。 翻訳ではなく、原書で読んでください。(といっても英語も翻訳ですが) 英語そのものは難しくありません。あなたがどうあるべきか、学ぶとはいったいどういうことか。あなたの残りの生涯をどういきるか。ともすれば日常の多忙さに忘れがちになることを生涯心に刻んでくれる本だと思います。 心を動かされなければ読者の方が悪い、と言い切れる本です。

  • Font

    Cep boy olduğu için yazılar biraz ufak, onun dışında çok kaliteli baskı ve harika bir hikaye.

  • Ein Meister hat das Buch geschrieben.

    Ein Meister hat das Buch geschrieben.

  • Insightful reading

    Good book... My first book purchased for gifting to a book lover

  • "Siddhartha" is a masterpiece

    "Siddhartha" tells the story of a young man's journey toward enlightenment. This novel is a profound exploration of the human experience, as it explores themes such as spiritual growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. Hesse's writing style is both elegant and poetic. "Siddhartha" has the power to transform readers and change their lives for the better. The story follows Siddhartha, a young man who sets out on a journey to find enlightenment, but finds that the path to true wisdom is fraught with obstacles and challenges. Along the way, he meets a range of characters who help him to learn and grow, and ultimately he discovers the true meaning of life. One of the most striking aspects of "Siddhartha" is its focus on the importance of personal growth and self-discovery. Hesse reminds us that we all have the potential to achieve greatness, but that we must be willing to confront our fears and weaknesses in order to do so. The novel encourages us to embrace our unique talents and gifts and to live our lives with purpose and intention. Overall, "Siddhartha" is a profound and deeply moving novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Hesse's writing is both beautiful and insightful, and his exploration of the human experience is both timeless and universal. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment, or simply looking for a great work of literature to read, "Siddhartha" is an absolute must-read.

  • Simple, beautiful, and surprisingly powerful.

    What I loved: A beautifully written, calming book that somehow manages to feel simple and deep at the same time. It’s one of those rare stories that slows your brain down in a good way. Following Siddhartha’s journey feels like taking a quiet walk with your own thoughts — but with better scenery. What made me sigh loudly: Realising I am not nearly as wise or peaceful as I thought I was before reading this. Thanks, Hesse. Should you buy it? Absolutely. It’s short, meaningful, and surprisingly easy to read. If you like books that make you think about life, purpose, happiness, or why your mind never shuts up, this is a great pick. Beautiful writing. Calming message. A reflective journey without being pretentious. Would 100% recommend — even if you’re not normally into philosophy.

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