Siddhartha, published in 1922 by Hermann Hesse, is one of the most widely read novels of the twentieth century. Set in ancient India, it follows a young Brahmin named Siddhartha as he abandons privilege and orthodoxy in search of spiritual truth — encountering ascetics, merchants, lovers, and finally the river that teaches him the unity of all experience. Hesse drew on Indian philosophy and Buddhist themes to create a meditation on self-discovery that has resonated with readers worldwide.
The novel’s quiet wisdom, lyrical simplicity, and universal themes of seeking and surrender made it a touchstone of the 1960s counterculture and remain as compelling today. Download this free public-domain English-language EPUB to experience Hesse’s most beloved work.