Steppenwolf

by
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Herman Hesse: Steppenwolf (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)

218 pages

Published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

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4 stars (1 review)

A story that focuses on the loneliness and suffering of the protagonist, Harry Haller, who feels that he has no place in a world filled with meaningless frivolity. Having decided to take his own life a chance encounter causes him to change his views and he begins to learn ways to enjoy life. One of the most misunderstood of his novels the book is, according to Hesse, about the possibilities of transcendence and healing.

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reviewed Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse

Review of 'Steppenwolf' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Disclaimer: If you are struggling with depression, I would skip this one.

That being said, as a long time Hesse adorer, I found this particular book difficult to get into. I found myself, many times, wanting to put it down in favor of something else. But I continued by sheer will alone and found the ending to be among the best I have ever read. From the masked ball to the magic theater, what a fevered dream of imposing dialogue and candid internal dialogue.