Siddhartha

Amazon.com

In the shade of a banyan tree, a grizzled ferryman sits listening to the river. Some say he's a sage. He was once a wandering shramana and, briefly, like thousands of others, he followed Gotama the Buddha, enraptured by his sermons. But this man, Siddhartha, was not a follower of any but his own soul. Born the son of a Brahmin, Siddhartha was blessed in appearance, intelligence, and charisma. In order to find meaning in life, he discarded his promising future for the life of a wandering ascetic. Still, true happiness evaded him. Then a life of pleasure and titillation merely eroded away his spiritual gains until he was just like all the other "child people," dragged around by his desires. Like Hermann Hesse's other creations of struggling young men, Siddhartha has a good dose of European angst and stubborn individualism. His final epiphany challenges both the Buddhist and the Hindu ideals of enlightenment. Neither a practitioner nor a devotee, neither meditating nor reciting, Siddhartha comes to blend in with the world, resonating with the rhythms of nature, bending the reader's ear down to hear answers from the river. In this translation Sherab Chodzin Kohn captures the slow, spare lyricism of Siddhartha's search, putting her version on par with Hilda Rosner's standard edition. --Brian Bruya

Book Description

In the novel, Siddhartha, a young man, leaves his family for a contemplative life, then, restless, discards it for one of the flesh. He conceives a son, but bored and sickened by lust and greed, moves on again. Near despair, Siddhartha comes to a river where he hears a unique sound. This sound signals the true beginning of his life -- the beginning of suffering, rejection, peace, and, finally, wisdom.

Customer Reviews:

Educational, thought-provoking, maybe dangerous.......2007-10-07

This is the first piece I have read on Buddhism. It's a thought-provoking, well-constructed and compelling tale of a young man (Siddhartha) who takes leave of his Brahman father, becomes an ascetic (in the extreme), then becomes a wealthy businessman and gambler and lover of women, then becomes an older but wiser poor ferryman with a broken heart over his rebellious son. Throughout, Siddhartha is considered a great sage by followers of his like belief system, although he falters greatly during those prosperous materialistic, sensual years. This tale serves a good primer into the matter of Buddhism, I think.

In way of praise, I was greatly impressed by the running internal analysis of what "made Siddhartha tick". A man of great personal ethic and self-discipline, if lacking in altruism. A man of great self-control (sometimes?) and a seeker.

An additional thought, however . . . notwithstanding all of the eastern mystic window-dressing, is Siddhartha's story all that unique? . . . young man leaves home pure of heart and with noble goals . . . he is caught up in ambition and success and wordly pleasures . . . then as an old man he eschews materialism and discovers the value of family, friends, and service. Is Siddhartha's story so fundamentally different from many of ours?

I included the word "dangerous" in my review title. That is a flag to the "wobbly seeker" to be careful with what you read and what you do with it. TRUTH is, by nature, exclusive. "Siddhartha" is an excellently written and thought provoking novel. It contains some true ethical and moral ideas. But it is not TRUTH. As a follower of the God of the Bible, I find that Siddhartha's quest for peace and Self (salvation of his soul -- or his "final ultimate incarnation" as perhaps Siddhartha would have said it) outside of the God and Savior of the Bible was folly. Furthermore, the Bible enjoins believers not to study the ways of other religions. Siddhartha was an intriguing read, and the first piece I have read on Buddhism. It will have to be my last.

Read it every few years.......2007-09-18

Fantastic book. Deep, interesting, profound. I read it every few years and it has never let me down.

A life changing masterpiece, one cannot read this book without reflecting on ones own life.......2007-09-02

The first time i read siddartha i thought to myself , "how do i acquire such tranquility of mind, and soul?" I have studied martial arts most of my life and i have been in the ring many times before, even though there is a great deal of discipline that is acquired along with the teaching of the martial arts, one also acquires a sense of instinct, and instinct drives even the most disciplined martial artist to act brash and hot tempered, and through my hot bloodedness i found this book. It is strange to think that such a simple act as reading the pages off of a book can instill such a serene sense in a person. When ever i read this book no matter how angry i'am at the time, i can't help but smile peacefully at the perplexeties of everyday life and the meaningless of anger and agitation, this book truly is a spiritual journey all of its own. This novel contains, what is in my opiinion, one of the most profound messeges ever written, and that messege is that no life style is wrong or right, it is the beauty of the buhddist teaching, it does not discriminate nor show contempt, for your life style, no matter how vague, or exciting, or misled, is not an evil but a step towards knowledge and spiritual enlightment, every action in your life shaping the kind of person your going to become and some how shaping the people around you as well. The path to true enlightment isn't leading the perfect life, its making mistakes, being human, and learning from ones transgressions. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever fealt the call of the self, the yearning of the spirit, and the release of the mind.

Siddhartha.......2007-08-09

One of the best books i have ever read! It is is everything, the whole story.

OM.......2007-07-20

This gem of a story was enriched by its `on tape' version that I downloaded from our library catalog; it was beautifully read. I could hear the OM calling to my core.

It is a fascinating story of one in search of enlightenment, finding it losing it and finding it again only to realize it was always there! In this mostly adult life description of a great prince who left the world we also see him so drawn back into it that we are reminded of our challenges to demonstrate sincere spiritual values and not allow ourselves to become numb. The consequence of leaving home and family for this quest is painfully felt including trying to raise a spoiled child that he does not know and failing to do so. Yet he comes back to the river, sees his reflection there, releases his baggage to the quiet river keeper, and then realizes with full certainty that he is a part of this flowing life; the river speaks to those willing and trying to listen and says, OM.

It is a classic among literary choices and several of the high schools wisely and openly offer this as their junior year summer reading, placing or nurturing the seed of awareness at a time when it's most needed. Most people I know read this book when it came out years ago. It is said, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear; this book was one of my teachers.

Siddhartha (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Average customer rating:

Lessons for life.
Come On
great if you're in the mood for a mid-life crisis
Amazing!
Humanity Needs This Book

Siddhartha (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
Hermann Hesse
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0142437182

Book Description

Siddhartha is perhaps the most important and compelling moral allegory our troubled century has produced. Integrating Eastern and Western spiritual traditions with psychoanalysis and philosophy, this strangely simple tale, written with a deep and moving empathy for humanity, has touched the lives of millions since its original publication in 1922.

Translated by Joachim Neugroschel
Introduction by Ralph Freedman

Customer Reviews:

Lessons for life........2006-02-18

This is an excellant book for people seeking answers to living life to its fullest. Siddhartha learned the lessons the hard way and through his journey we then learn those same lessons and find out just how simple they really are. I recommend reading this book again as most of us have probably read it years ago.

Come On.......2005-06-25

People that say this book changed your life and that if you get it it is the best book and the only book you need, clearly didn't get the book. That is the antithesis of one of the main points of the book.The point is that "teaching" is wrong, striving to "learn" is wrong. You have to find the answers within yourself, you have to truly see and hear yourself without your ego clouding the truth. This is the way to happiness and "enlightenment" The point of this book is that you cannot learn what it shows/tells you. You must find it within yourself, you must experience it yourself. The point is that a book on enlightenment on spirituallity can never truly show you these things can never bring enlightenment to you, that is something that must be discovered within yourself. You must strive for it, go through hardships for it, it cannot be handed to you or it loses all value.

great if you're in the mood for a mid-life crisis.......2005-04-29

Seriously, if you're gonna read Siddhartha, this is certainly the edition to get -- the slightly oversized Penguin Classics one.

It features a useful (35-page!) introduction by Ralph Freedman, which includes suggestions for further reading.

The translation by Joachim Neugroschel -- a new one -- also reads swiftly and naturally.

There are no footnotes for the text itself, however.

Amazing!.......2004-09-27

this book is simply amazing! and when i say simply, i also mean that it is an interestingly simple book... very short and concise... and yet filled with so much knowledge and meaning... it really is a treatise on life itself.

this book truly is a two way conversation. you just cant help wondering, asking new question you've never asked before... some books are strictly written for the excitement, making them a one way conversation, the author just telling you things and there is nothing you can say that will make what he (or she) said better... but this book, as i said, truly is the opposite of that.

read the book and you will know where I am coming from... it is a great book and worthyto be read by everyone...

Humanity Needs This Book.......2004-05-19

I would have never read this book had it not been for the advice from someone I admire greatly. It was highly recommended as a spiritual experience....so I tried it.

With all of the emphasis placed on religion today I found this book to inspire not religious practice but true inner peace and spiritual values comparable to many religious texts. This book has something to say and if you get it the message will follow you forever, yes it has that much impact on an open heart.

The story revolves around an Indian youth named Siddhartha, who with a restless heart and many questions attempts to experience the world before making a commitment to tradition. He struggles with the ties of family values and the pull of an unknown world. So he takes a plunge and leaves his security nest to find what life is all about. He works, he strives, he succeeds, he finds wealth, love and humanity but in the end all he really needs is peace of mind and freedom to choose his own path. Sounds achingly familiar to us all dosen't it?

I highly recommend you experience this book, for the beauty, the bravery and the freedom of choice. It will remain a part of your soul if you let it!

Siddhartha
Average customer rating:

A good quick read

HARDCOVER TOO SMALL!

Excellent Transaction!

A book you must experience...

Funny this is paired with THE ALCHEMIST...

Siddhartha
Hermann Hesse
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Release Date: 2002-09-17

Book Description

A classic of twentieth-century literature chronicles the spiritual evolution of a man living in India at the time of the Buddha—a spiritual journey that has inspired generations of readers. We are invited along on Siddhartha's journey experiencing his highs, lows, loves, and disappointments along the way. Always insightful and inspiring, Hesse begins the novel by showing us the life of a brahmin's son. Handsome, well-loved, and growing increasingly dissatisfied with the life expected of him, Siddhartha sets out on his journey, not realizing that he is fulfilling the prophesies proclaimed at his birth. Siddhartha blends in with the world, showing the reader the beauty and intricacies of the mind, nature, and his experience on the path to enlightenment. Sherab Chödzin Kohn's flowing, poetic translation conveys the philosophical and spiritual nuances of Hesse's text, paying special attention to the qualities of meditative experience. The Shambhala Library is a series of exquisitely designed and produced cloth editions of the world's spiritual and literary classics, both ancient and modern. Perfect for collecting or as gifts, each volume features a sewn binding, decorative endsheets, and a ribbon marker—in a delightful-to-hold 4 ¼ x 6 ¾ trim size.

Customer Reviews:

A good quick read.......2007-10-06

This book starts out great but runs out of steam about 2/3rds through. If it had been the other way around I probably would be giving it 5 stars, but as it was it left me flat at the end.

Siddhartha explors the ancient Indian religions as he make he way through life, and the insights that Hesse brings alive are masterful and deep. The spirituality is wonderful, with the fiction backdrop to bring it to life.

This book is a classic, and an easy and short read, recommended for everyone.

Entertainment: 3 stars
Enlightenment: 5 stars
Overall: 4 stars

HARDCOVER TOO SMALL!.......2007-01-19

Buy the bigger softcover version. This is like a pocket version. Remember, you'll be reading this again when you're old and your eyes are shot.

Excellent Transaction!.......2005-10-12

The item was received in a timely manner and was in perfect condition. I would buy from seller again.

A book you must experience..........2005-09-24

I admit that it has been several years since I read this book. I also admit that as it is one of my favorite novels I am not an unbiased source (but who is). With that grain of salt having been swallowed this book is foremost a tale about the birth of a new kind of spirituality. Siddhartha is about the process experienced on the road to enlightenment. I feel that some other reviewers who were perhaps not at the right point in their lives to appreciate that this is a story of the process rather than a how to. It is not a self help book or a short-cut guide to enlightenment. The novel tells with simple prose which is different from any of Hesse's other work in its simplicity. It tells of the human frailty and failings of a being that leads to the discovery of the Buddhist philosophy. The story pushes for you to think about what Siddhartha discovers, especially in the scene by the river, and to understand how this revelation relates to your world view. I found this book at a time in my life when I needed to, and I hope it finds you at the right point in your life as well. The fewer expectations you have the better. A very short novel, nothing more. If you have ever been curious to know more about Buddhist thought this book encapsulates the most intrinsic tenets of the religion. I hope you experience this book. It is just a story, don't miss the forrest for the trees. I hope any of this helps you to chose to read or to know it is not for you.

Funny this is paired with THE ALCHEMIST..........2005-05-26

As I read this book, (it took me about an hour and a half,) I kept thinking about how similar it is to THE ALCHEMIST by Paolo Coehlo. Lots of the same messages: follow your heart, seek enlightenment, be yourself, learn about love, among others. The reason I like this book better is simple. It came out first. I'd venture to say it was some kind of inspiration for THE ALCHEMIST. This book leaves a wonderful taste in your mouth, and is a must read for anyone who may feel lost or out of touch with themselves. I loved it.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Story
Wonderful book!
Loved it!!!
A classic in its own right!
This book was great for teaching my daughter about buddhism!

Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha
Jonathan Landaw
Manufacturer: Wisdom Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0861713753

Book Description

A perennial favorite for children and parents, this is the story of Prince Siddhartha and how he became Buddha, the Awakened One, told in lyrical prose. Beautiful full-color illustrations depict each major life event in Siddhartha's development. His message of nonviolence, loving-kindness, and unselfishness is vitally necessary for the children of today and tomorrow.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Story.......2007-01-20

I purchased this to read to my 8 year old son. It proved to be intriguing and captivating. I would read a few chapters a night, and he wouldn't want me to stop reading. Each night, he'd make sure that I was going to read this book.

The pictures are beautiful, and illustrate the story well. The story is very well written, and is clear enough for a young child to understand. It provokes thoughtful questions and observations from the young mind. What a fantastic way to expose children to Buddhism, and its roots and story. Even though Prince Siddhartha lived several hundred years before Christ, the lessons and teachings are near identical.

If you are looking for a Christ-like story without the dogma and requisite belief in God, this fits the bill perfectly. I found it equally as entertaining as my son did. You will not be disappointed.

Wonderful book!.......2007-01-09

I bought this to read the story of Siddartha to my seven year old daughter. The text and the pictures have been wonderful, understandable, and manageable, and she has been captivated. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to teach their children in a simple, beautiful and compelling way about the life of Buddha.

Loved it!!!.......2006-11-06

This book is perfectly written for young children. My 4 and 6 year old kids were at the edge of their seats as we read chapter by chapter. As a family we greatly enjoyed reading the story of Prince Siddharta.

A classic in its own right!.......2005-08-14

Beautiful illustrations compliment this eloquently told timeless tale! I bought it for myself years ago and just purchased it as a gift for a 10 year old girl who loved it so much, she's read it four times already since getting it just a few weeks ago!!! Regardless of your religious beliefs, it's a universal story of the search for "what is" and the molding of character in an individual that takes place as they sort through the varying perspectives presented to them through the ever changing seasons of life, and discovering their own balance in the equation of being.

This book was great for teaching my daughter about buddhism!.......1999-02-28

I could tell that Chi-Lou, my daughter, was very interested in this!! We had taught her many thing about Buddha, but she learn it best when it was tell to her in story like this book! Even I liked this children book. Great for kid, and great for spirituality. I highly recomend book!

Siddhartha (Dual-Language) (Dual-Language Book)

Average customer rating:

Lucid and readable.

Siddhartha (Dual-Language) (Dual-Language Book)
Hermann Hesse
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486404374

Book Description

With its excellent line-for-line English translation on facing pages, this handy dual-language volume allows students of German language and literature an ideal way to read the 1922 classic based on events from the life of Buddha. The restless young Brahmin Siddhartha undertakes a spiritual journey that takes him from years of asceticism to long-sought enlightenment.

Customer Reviews:

Lucid and readable........2007-08-29

I admit from the start I am not one of those beings spiritual or intellectual or artistical or fantastical or...etc. So this book does not inspire me like it has done to so many and doubtless many more to come. My intellect unelevatable and my insight reaches few things beyond material. Poor me! So you know this is not the book for me if not for the sake of learning German.

That said I'll now talk about its merits as a language learning aid. Among many Dover dual-language books in German, this is among the most readable, from my personal experience! You should mingle with these books after you reading skill is already OK or a little more. But Beaware: Greman is real tough, German writer tougher, and still toughest are those immortal names in German literature. And it's exactly these formidable guys featured in this Dover series. In fact this is the first book I manage to go cover to cover with little reference to translation. It's no easy, as is not to be expected of any original work by a German writer with a name. I refrain from making further with regard to linguistics or literature comments (look like German?), which I don't qualify. Just for those language learners of similar stage, if you want that sense of achievement or pride
of finishing an original work on your own (to go along with improve reading skill), then this is a good starting place.

Average customer rating:

The double whammy
new rendition of timeless tale
An Old Friend Revisited

Siddhartha (Modern Library)
Hermann Hesse
Manufacturer: Modern Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Hermann Hesse’s classic novel Siddhartha has delighted, inspired, and influenced generations of readers, writers, and thinkers. Though set in a place and time far removed from the Germany of 1922, the year of the book’s debut, the novel is infused with the sensibilities of Hesse’s time, synthesizing disparate philosophies–Eastern religions, Jungian archetypes, Western individualism–into a unique vision of life as expressed through one man’s search for meaning.

It is the story of the quest of Siddhartha, a wealthy Indian Brahmin who casts off a life of privilege and comfort to seek spiritual fulfillment and wisdom. On his journey, Siddhartha encounters wandering ascetics, Buddhist monks, and successful merchants, as well as a courtesan named Kamala and a simple ferryman who has attained enlightenment. Traveling among these people and experiencing life’s vital passages–love, work, friendship, and fatherhood–Siddhartha discovers that true knowledge is guided from within.

Susan Bernofsky’s magnificent new translation brings out Hesse’s inspired lyricism and his elegant, melodious cadences, illuminating the novel’s universal themes and timeless wisdom about the human condition.

This original Modern Library edition includes a lively new Introduction by Tom Robbins and a glossary of Indian terms.

Customer Reviews:

The double whammy.......2007-05-29

What a wonderful journey, and to find it underneath the chocolate sauce of a forward by Tom Robbins is almost too much ice cream to eat.

new rendition of timeless tale.......2006-09-06

Beautifully translated, evoking the majesty in the simple story of a man in his lifelong journey towards the attainment of Enlightenment. Melodic in its tone but true to the original German Susan Bernofsky's translation has set a new standard among the various English translations currently available. As many times as I have read and enjoyed Siddhartha over the years (about 10 or so readings) never have I enjoyed a translation as much as Ms. Bernofsky's - a truly remarkable effort.

An Old Friend Revisited.......2006-08-30

When I came upon a new translation of Siddhartha by the revered Susan Bernofsky, I was drawn to revisit this book from thirty years ago. Like many teens of the early seventies, I was affected deeply by Siddhartha. It offered me a way to find and embrace spirituality--spirituality that was more aligned with the Beatles, the anti-war movement, and my own peer culture than was my childhood Episcopalian upbringing. This new volume didn't disappoint. Bernofsky, whose translations I've long admired, pays careful attention to Hesse's musical prose and lyricism. The simple messages and Siddhartha's adventures were even more delightful that I remembered. This is a much more beautifully rendered version than the one I read in my youth. Bernofsky's mastery of German coupled with her understanding of and faithfulness to Hesse's pure and rather innocent lessons make this a refreshing read, like dipping one's feet into a cool brook on an August day. I'm glad I revisited this old friend. Siddhartha has stood the test of time. Bravo to Bernofsky, as well.

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Siddhartha
Hermann Hesse
Manufacturer: Recorded Books
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Elements of Statistical Mechanics: With an Introduction to Quantum Field Theory and Numerical Simulation
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Inspiring
A re-reading after 35 years

Siddhartha (Shambhala Classics)
Hermann Hesse
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1590302273
Release Date: 2005-01-11

Book Description

This book chronicles the spiritual evolution of a man living in India at the time of the Buddha—a tale that has inspired generations of readers. We are invited along Siddhartha's journey experiencing his highs, lows, loves, and disappointments along the way. Hesse begins by showing us the life of a privileged brahmin's son. Handsome, well-loved, and growing increasingly dissatisfied with the life expected of him, Siddhartha sets out on his journey, not realizing that he is fulfilling the prophesies proclaimed at his birth. Siddhartha blends in with the world, showing the reader the beauty and intricacies of the mind, nature, and his experiences on the path to enlightenment. Sherab Chödzin Kohn's flowing, poetic translation conveys the philosophical and spiritual nuances of Hesse's text, paying special attention to the qualities of meditative experience. Also included is an extensive introduction by Paul W. Morris that discusses the impact Siddhartha has had on American culture.

Customer Reviews:

Inspiring.......2007-03-29

Siddhartha was a book that I did not want to put down. It is about a man on a spiritual quest to find himself. I was so in love with the choices he made and the realization that he came to at the end.
Hesse is one of the best writers to keep the journey of life at the for-
front of all of his works.

A re-reading after 35 years.......2005-07-05

When I was about to start college, a friend who had just finished his freshman year came home for the summer raving about Hermann Hesse. I had not heard of Hesse but, I later learned that he was a writer who was particularly relevent to college students of that era who were questioning the status quo and seeking spiritual growth.

On my friend's recommendation, I read Siddhartha. In my recent re-reading of this 20th century classic, I read this edition which is a new translation. Since my memories of 35 years ago are dim, I have no basis to compare the translation with earlier ones but, I will say that this edition was readable and poetically written.

Siddhartha is a Brahmin youth who has a close friend in Govinda. Upon Siddartha's urging, the two leave their families and comfortable surroundings in a search for spirituality. They join a group of ascetics and numb themselves to the world around them. Siddhatha is seeking to subjugate his ego. After years of this existence, they go to hear the Buddah speak. Govinda becomes a follower but, Siddhartha believes that he has to discover truth for himself and that as great as the Buddah's teachings are, he must nonetheless strike out on his own.

He goes from his ascetic lifestyle to an oppulent one in which he enjoys pleasures of the flesh. But even then, he ultimately feels the need to move on in his spiritual journey. He joins a ferryman along the river and becomes the ferryman's assistant. He lives in the ferryman's hut and discovers that he can learn much by listening to the river talk. He also discovers that he has a son who he happens upon. However, just as Siddhartha left his father, his own son does not remain with him. His son leaves for a very different reason, however. Siddartha's son had been raised in the opulent style that Siddartha had abandoned and rather than seeking spirituality, the son is seeking to maintain his comfortable lifestyle.

In this novel, Siddhartha goes from a very young man to an old man. His journey to discover truth is a lifelong one and the stages he goes through ultimately leads to inner peace. This is a book to be read carefully and savored. Of course, it's a translation, not the original German but, assuming a faithful translation, the words are to be carefully considered. Perhaps the stages in Siddhartha's life mirror the stages in our own as we seek spiritual growth.

Average customer rating:

An insightful look at life and what makes us who we are
Consult a map & read it twice!
Moving
"Memory is about what you decide to remember."
Wallow In It

The Point of Return: a novel
Siddhartha Deb
Manufacturer: Ecco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Domestic Life | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0060501510
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Book Description

Set in the remote northeastern hills of India, the story revolves around the father-son relationship of a willful curious boy, Babu, and Doctor Dam, an enigmatic product of British colonial rule and Nehruvian nationalism. Told in reverse chronological order, the novel examines an India where the ideals that brought freedom from colonial rule are beginning to crack under the pressure of new rebellions and conflicts. For Dr. Dam and Babu this has meant living as strangers in the same home, puzzled and resentful, tied only by blood. As the father grows weary and old and the son tries to understand him, clashes between ethnic groups in their small town show them to be strangers to their country as well. Before long Babu finds himself embarking on a great journey, an odyssey through the memories of his father, his family, and his nation.

The Point of Return poignantly explores the precarious balance of familial relationships built around secrets and the intrusions of political conflicts outside the control of individuals. From start to finish it is a powerful, moving, and unforgettable story.

Customer Reviews:

An insightful look at life and what makes us who we are.......2007-01-10

It is an unfortunate aspect of our culture that novels by South Asian authors are so often viewed as a means to escape from the hum-drum of our Western, suburban lives, an escape to a place of monsoons and mangoes and curries. Siddhartha Deb's first novel may be set in East India, but it takes place in the heart.

Deb's novel is not a coming of age novel so much as an insightful look at what it means to be a young adult reflecting on the humanity of one's parents - the people to whom we are closest, but somehow never really know. It's also a reflection on those people and experiences that mold who we, as unique individuals, become.

Much of Deb's book, I suspect, will, as it must, be familiar with the many men and women who were, in one way or another, displaced by the partition of India, the 1971 liberation war in Bangladesh, and the communalism in which the subcontinent continues to simmer.

But the beauty of Deb's novel is not in the vivid depictions of life in social and political tumult, it is in his brilliant rendering of universal experiences - the search for grounding, for self, for home.

Consult a map & read it twice!.......2003-06-11

This is no light or easy read; the chronology and narrative perspective of this book change, and the shifts are sometimes unsettling. This I took to be part of the author's design, and by the end of the book I found it effective, a part of the chaos of memory that speaks true. I also found myself wishing the overleaf of the book had a map of the regions, as place is so important in the novel and I was unfamiliar with more than basic Indian geography. I would recommend that a reader unfamiliar with these regions print out a map (and also note what the country looked like in the days before Partition) before beginning on this literary journey. It's a journey I'm glad to have made, and although I have not yet undertaken a second read, that was my first impulse when I came to the end -- I felt there was so much more for me to mine from the intertwined stories of Babu's and Dr. Dam's lives as shared by Deb than I had been able to absorb in one pass. A good writer writes what he knows and speaks the truth -- much easier said than done -- and Deb has done both quite beautifully in this book.

Moving.......2003-06-04

With its fractured timeline and foreign (even for Indians) Indian states, this book will swirl around you. Yield to it. Enjoy it. Be disturbed by it. Draw parallels with your own life (especially if you no longer live where you did as a child). And more often than not, be transported.

This book moves you through geography, through time, through life. And it is a journey that you will be glad that you took.

While I eagerly await Mr. Deb's next book, I am troubled by the idea that he might never write another book that is so true, and so felt. Regardless, don't let this one pass you by.

"Memory is about what you decide to remember.".......2003-05-23

In this sensitively imagined and astutely observed novel, Babu, son of veterinarian Dr. Dam, reminisces about his father's life, trying to understand him--at least to the extent that sons can ever understand their fathers. Acutely aware that every generation views events and experiences through knowledge gained during own lifetimes, Babu recognizes that though he and his father have shared many events, their views of these events are vastly different, in each case conditioned by their separate, though sometimes intersecting, pasts.

The Dam family is Bengali, managing to escape the 1979 civil war there by fleeing to Assam, a remote, northeastern province of India nestled between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Supporting his elderly parents and several brothers and sisters, and marrying and starting a family late in life, Dr. Dam has spent his career as an honest civil servant within a corrupt Indian government. Babu, born in India, has never known the places which shaped the lives of his father and grandparents and which still live in their hearts. Separated by both temperament and by dissimilar backgrounds, Dr. Dam and Babu are remote from each other until they are brought together dramatically through Dr. Dam's debilitating stroke.

Deb's straightforward and often elegant prose is particularly effective for its subtlety. Lacking the lush description so frequently found in novels with Indian settings, the novel concentrates instead on universal values and the father-son search for understanding. The novel is less exotic, despite its unusual setting, than some other Indian novels, but more accessible to readers from other cultures and more potent in its observations about life. In an ironic twist, the author uses his clear, unadorned prose to provide Dr. Dam's personal history in a chronology which, though linear, moves backward in time, as Babu, aged seventeen, recalls what he knows of his father and the events and people which have influenced him.

The reverse chronology is much like the history we all create for our parents whenever we try to mine our own experiences for insights into their lives in an effort to find common ground and understand who we think they are. We recall past events in their lives which we think are important based on our own experiences, not theirs. With its focus both on a man coming to terms with his father's life, and on everyone's yearning for a homeland, even after it is gone, Deb provides observations which expand our own view of what forms our characters, and gives us new insights into universal truths. Mary Whipple

Wallow In It.......2003-04-01

This is a book to really wallow in. Just make sure you have the evening free, sit back with a drink, and enjoy.

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