Siddhartha: A Novel

by Hermann Hesse Narrated by Bert DeCoy

Overview

Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read

What is the purpose of life? Is religion the answer? How, in a world beset with misery and conflict, can we help to find inner peace?

Siddhartha helped inspire the legions of counter-cultural “hippies” and other refuseniks who challenged the Western capitalist order in the 1960s and 1970s. Brought to you here in a new translation by William Aaltonen, Siddhatha is as relevant now as it was on publication.

The tale follows a wealthy son of a Brahmin, Siddhatha, as he explores the extremes of human existence: first through religion, then via harsh self-denial, then by plunging headlong into the hedonism of sensual love, wealth, gambling, and power. At the very last, he finds a way to temper the pain of human existence, to transcend the self, and reach spiritual resolution.

Herman Hesse's profound and absorbing novella will help you find serenity and spiritual meaning in a difficult world.

Editorial Reviews

Once the preferred marching song of '60s hippies, Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha has returned to its rightful high niche in world literature. This translation by Susan Bernofsky highlights the unblemished clarity of Hesse's tale of spiritual sacrifice and awakening.

Publishers Weekly - Audio

02/27/2017
Actor Ansdell guides listeners in his firm and gentle voice through Hesse’s lyrical prose depicting the self-discovery journey of his protagonist, Siddhartha. Ansdell’s pacing and English accent give his reading for the audiobook an air of philosopher’s wisdom. Ansdell is especially good at pauses and inflections that express Siddhartha’s moods of exaltation and utter despair at various points in his life as a young Brahman, an ascetic, a lover, businessman, and then as a father and elderly recluse who sits by the river and finally experiences the peace and tranquility he has always sought. Published in German in 1922 and in English in 1951, the revival of Hesse’s novel in this era of widespread interest in Eastern religions offers Ansdell a vehicle for his diverse narrative talents. (Sept.)

From the Publisher

"Filled with timeless truths and told so beautifully with images that burn deep into your being, Hesse's novel speaks powerfully to every generation of spiritual seekers. . . . A fresh translation of Siddhartha that offers greater authenticity than any other translation—while still preserving the unique beauty of the original prose."— Branches of Light

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177881386
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	05/26/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

Chapter 1
(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Siddhartha"
by .
Copyright © 2013 Hermann Hesse.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Publishing Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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