I think that the first time ever I saw this book was at the school library (considering that I basically spent all recesses there, it’s not even surprising, though). I wasn’t really interested in it, because it sounded like some self-help book and even at the tender age of twelve, I’d decided I didn’t like self-help.

Now, having actually read it, my opinion is not too far off. I mean, it is kind of self-helpish, though never at Coehlo’s level. At least Hesse got a Nobel Prize.

So, the story is about Siddhartha, who is the son of a Brahman, who decides to look for enlightment. So, his way to do so is first to become some kind of monk and renounce to all worldly things. Of course, he soon discovers this is not the way to go. Then he meets Buddha (yeah, that one), but he also decides that Buddha’s teachings are not for him (yes, he is hard to please). So he becomes all-worldly, has a sexual affair with Kamala (who becomes pregnant) and gets lots of money.

And then he drops everything. He’s basically doing that during the whole book. He begins to like a thing, and then he realizes is not what he expected and drops it altogether. It’s like a kid with ADD! (And I know what I’m talking about. My four brothers have ADD). At one point I became really frustrated with this novel, and especially with the main character. What a lack of perseverance.
This book is supposed to be all deep and shit. And I guess there are some parts which could work as good teachings or something. But the tone annoyed me. You see, I like when I learn things without somebody telling me “this is wrong” or “this is good”. I’m a grown-up woman and I don’t need that the book I’m reading preaches to me. And I felt that the entire time, the book was preaching. If I’m not being clear, I’ll just say it: I DON’T LIKE PREACHY BOOKS.

So, I know: being all materialistic and sensuous is bad for me. And forgetting about the world is bad for me. So, the middle road is the way to go? Isn’t it obvious for everyone? Maybe not and that’s why anybody would need this book.

On the good side, it’s a pretty easy read and quick, too. It’s also decently written, so I guess that’s a good point. Other than that, is the kind of book some people will pretend to like to seem like they are deep or something. Funny, though. I’ve seen this in the required reading list for some schools. I wouldn’t add it. Not because I disagree with the philosophy of the book (I actually agree), or because I think kids cannot understand it (as said before, the message is simple enough). It’s just because I think it doesn’t add much to anything. Maybe in religious studies it might work, but not for Literature. Funny, because Mr. Hesse did won the Nobel. I’ll have to read another of his books to find out why.

I’m guessing it was not for me, but I recognize it wasn’t awful. So, three stars.