Siddhartha

Hermann Hesse

Dec 2009 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by James Langton

About this audiobook

Hermann Hesse's famous and influential novel Siddhartha is perhaps the most important and compelling allegory produced in the last hundred years. 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, through 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.

Ratings and reviews

Decent story about fulfilling your life goals, but overly verbose and not too exciting. I bought this book because it's listed as "similar" to The Alchemist, which I loved. But I didn't find that to be the case. The writing style is extremely verbose, making the story move slowly and without the excitement of finding out what will happen next. The adventures aren't particularly exciting, so you don't get as drawn in to the story. There are some valuable insights about life to be gained, but not enough to make this a favorite.

About the author

German poet and novelist Hermann Hesse (1877–1962) is the author of Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, and Narcissus and Goldmund, and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946.

James Langton trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. An AudioFile Earphones Award winner, he has performed many voice-overs and narrated numerous audiobooks. James was born in York, England, and is now based in New York City.