Siddhartha | Hermann Hesse

From his early childhood, Siddhartha is fond of learning and seeking knowledge. For this reason, he follows his father’s path to study with the Brahmans. However, these studies are unable to quench his thirst for the knowledge.

Thus, Siddhartha leaves his home, family and everything known to him behind and chooses the life of a Samana. He is accompanied by his childhood friend, Govinda who decides to follow his path like a shadow. Eventually they accept the Samana life of wandering from place to place and practicing various forms of meditation to reach to the Atman.

But neither the Samanas nor Siddhartha is able to find the Atman after spending years in such transformative meditating activities. Therefore disappointed, Siddhartha and Govinda set out again to continue their search. Now their search is more focused in a definite direction since they have heard about the arrival of the exalted one in the Jetavana,

Onward both the friends go to see the Buddha and hear his teachings so that they can finally find the knowledge which they have been seeking for so long. Indeed, Govinda finds his life’s purpose in the revered teachings of the Buddha and decides to chart out his own independent path, first time ever in his lifetime.

Then what happens to Siddhartha? Does he able to find the true knowledge which he is been seeking for so long? Like his dear friend Govinda, will Siddhartha be able to end his quest once this ultimate truth has been found?

Readers are bound to have all these questions and more while reading the fascinating tale of Siddhartha. The author has written it deftly and made it utterly engrossing. Like the protagonists, readers also go on the quest to find answers to all their questions and surely don’t get disappointed.

The many twists and turn keep the readers hooked till the very end, making it an interesting read. Definitely worthy of all the praises and fame garnered so far, this is a must read book.