Book Review: SIDDHARTHA

Hello again! 👋

Today I'm sharing a review of a book📖 that completely fascinated me when I read it. I read this book in high school when I was 17, and you can't imagine the impact it had on me! Haha🤣

"Siddhartha" is a novel written by the German author Hermann Hesse and first published in 1922 (I previously reviewed another of Hesse's books; check it out here). The work is a profound and poetic exploration of spiritual💫 search and self-realization, set in ancient India🇮🇳 and based on the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of ☸️Buddhism. Although it draws inspiration from Buddha's life🧘, Hesse creates an original story that addresses universal themes of human existence.

The story follows the life of Siddhartha, a young man🙋‍♂️ who grows up in a well-off family in India and, despite having everything society deems necessary for happiness, feels a deep spiritual emptiness. As he seeks answers to his questions⁉️ about suffering and the true nature of existence, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery.🗣

Throughout his quest, Siddhartha encounters a series of characters and experiences that guide him on his path to enlightenment☀️. He becomes an ascetic, becomes involved in materialistic life, and ultimately finds tranquility and wisdom through contemplation and a connection with nature. As he progresses on his 🚶journey, Siddhartha learns fundamental lessons about the importance of balance⚖️, understanding the cycles of life, and the significance of personal experience in the spiritual journey.

What makes "Siddhartha" a timeless literary masterpiece is the way Hesse addresses themes such as spirituality, the search for truth, and self-transcendence. His prose is poetic and reflective, and the book invites you to question your own search for meaning in life. Through Siddhartha's story, Hesse conveys the idea that true wisdom cannot be taught but must be personally experienced🫀.

In summary, "Siddhartha" is a literary masterpiece🏆 that remains relevant and moving today. Its 🔍exploration of spirituality and the path to enlightenment continues to inspire readers to contemplate the fundamental questions of life and the pursuit of happiness and wisdom✨.

🎤P.S. Personal Note: In my opinion, the questions the character poses are inquiries that transcend ages and generations🗓. At some point, without cultural distinction, we have all engaged in introspection🪞 and asked questions we never thought we'd ask, with answers we took for granted. Siddhartha, to me, has made me think beyond my own body. You don't even have to be very spiritual to grasp the concept of what this book means. I believe it invites you to live, to live fully and without guilt, and to demystify what is established, what we believe to be correct, without questioning it further. It's simply magical.😌

⚠️Spoiler Alert: I remember that when I read it, my literature teacher explained that all the characters he encounters (who introduce him to specific sins) allude to some of the seven deadly sins, like 👸Kamala representing lust.

🫶Recommendation: Read the book straight through, finish it, and then seek an explanation of it, as it contains many symbols!

❤️That's it for today; I hope you're inspired to read the book and discover a bit more about yourselves!👀 Thank you! 

-Pinwi 🐧