2020 Book Reviews

1

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

This is a

very special novel for me. I've read it four times - first when I was 19 - and I leave at least two years between readings.

The story follows a young man, Siddhartha, throughout most of his life as he sets out on a journey of self discovery. The setting is ancient India and the novel explores questions such as whether wisdom can be taught or must be gained through experience, or indeed if it need be learned at all.

It is very beautifully written with many poetically constructed sentences and paragraphs and has many distinctly memorable characters. Through these characters we are introduced to different philosophies for life, how to live, and how to see the world around us.

This novel has a different impact on me each time I read it and as I grow older and return to it, I expect this to continue.