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Siddhartha audiobook cover art

  • Siddhartha

  • By: Hermann Hesse
  • Narrated by: Michael Scott
  • Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins
  • Unabridged
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars 2
  • Performance
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Siddhartha, born the son of a Brahmin, was blessed in wealth, appearance, intelligence and charisma. In order to find meaning in life, he discarded his promising future for the life of an ascetic. He wandered as a shramana and searched for Gotama the Buddha. However, this man, Siddhartha, was not a follower of any but his own soul. This popular book provides the listener with insight into the philosophy and thoughts that shape Siddhartha's path to enlightenment.

Siddhartha audiobook cover art

  • Siddhartha

  • By: Hermann Hesse, Joachim Neugroschel - translator
  • Narrated by: Firdous Bamji
  • Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
  • Unabridged
  • Overall
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,541
  • Performance
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,219
  • Story
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Siddhartha is Nobel Prize-winning author Hermann Hesse's most famous and influential work, a novel of self-exploration that will linger in your mind and spirit for a lifetime. A young man, blessed with loving parents and a safe home in a world where want and neglect abound, leaves this haven in search of himself.

  • 5 out of 5 stars

  • Very Interesting to Listen

  • By Ramanujam on 07-23-08
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  • Narcissus and Goldmund

  • By: Hermann Hesse
  • Narrated by: Simon Vance
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  • 5 out of 5 stars

  • My favorite of Hesse's novels, wonderfully read.

  • By David on 10-21-11
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  • How the World Became Modern
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  • By Ethan M. on 05-01-12
Great Expectations audiobook cover art

  • Great Expectations

  • By: Charles Dickens
  • Narrated by: Sinead Dixon
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The Iliad audiobook cover art

  • The Iliad

  • The Fitzgerald Translation
  • By: Homer, Robert Fitzgerald - translator
  • Narrated by: Dan Stevens
  • Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins
  • Unabridged
  • Overall
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Publisher's Summary

This compelling spiritual quest by Hermann Hesse, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946, is considered one of the most important works of 20th century fiction. Siddhartha's search for enlightenment leads him to the river of life itself. On his journey he learns from many teachers: the ascetic Samanas, the all-knowing Gotama the Buddha, Kamala the lovely courtesan, and Vasudeva the simple ferryman. Unwilling to accept the wisdom of others, Siddhartha comes to an understanding of himself and his place in the universe, finally achieving the enlightened state of mind in which he can say to his lifelong friend: "The world, Govinda, is perfect at every moment."
(P)1986 by The Audio Partners Publishing Corp.

Critic Reviews

"No living English-speaking actor outshines Derek Jacobi, nor any audiobook reader for that matter. He sings, rather than speaks, with extraordinary lyricism, expressiveness, and depth." (AudioFile)

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Audible.com Reviews
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Choosing an audio version of Siddhartha

Audible currently offers 4 versions of Hermann Hesse's, "Siddhartha". I'd like to help you with your selection.

Derek Jacobi brilliantly breathes life into the current edition. The reading is stellar, making this by far the recommended choice. Caveat: this version is abridged.

As for the unabridged versions:

Fidrous Bamji: If you must choose an unabridged version, this is the best of the lot. The narration is pleasing to the ear, but simply lacks the magic of Jacobi's rendition.

James Langton: TOO FAST. Langton literally speed narrates the story, leaving you with a throbbing headache by the time he's done.

Harish Bhimani: Bhimani sounds too self-indulgent, seems to be in love with his own voice. Pronunciation and inflection are questionable. The translation sounds flat, dead, worn.

23 of 24 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful

Jacoby's voice is exquisite. Despite being an abridged version, this is absolutely worth the listen. And a re-listen...

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • sawithia
  • PORTLAND, OR, United States
  • 12-04-12

Great story, horid narrater

Would you try another book from Herman Hesse and/or Derek Jacobi?

I like Herman Hesse & will continue to read his books

Who was your favorite character and why?

The wise boat man, he had already walked his path & was, where we all strive to be.

Would you be willing to try another one of Derek Jacobi’s performances?

no

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Consideration of life

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • M
  • hamden, CT, USA
  • 07-25-10

Great Book

I liked the voice of the reader. This is a beautiful book. People with connection to the indian subcontinent would enjoy this completely

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Bryan
  • PROVO, UT, United States
  • 02-14-14

Blown Away. Everything I hope for in a story.

If you could sum up Siddhartha in three words, what would they be?

Life eternal: om.

What did you like best about this story?

The way all things come into One in the end.

The conclusion gave me chills. It is exhilarating, exciting, and peaceful.

The whole story arc of Siddharta is beautiful. I love the concept of listening to the river. I loved the ferry boatman. I loved the art of listening.

What does Derek Jacobi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Derek Jacobi is the best narrator there is.

His gentle expression, deep understanding, and simple voice make his work stand out among all others.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

One of my new three favorite books of all time, along with Les Miserables and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

interesting listen

What did you love best about Siddhartha?

encourages you to think creatively and independently

Would you be willing to try another book from Herman Hesse? Why or why not?

probably not, I get his message

What does Derek Jacobi bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

excellent narration

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

i don't think this would be a good movie

0 of 1 people found this review helpful