Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 98 votes)
5 stars
30(31%)
4 stars
33(34%)
3 stars
35(36%)
2 stars
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1 stars
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98 reviews
July 15,2025
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The text is filled with biographical allusions and is quite difficult to understand.

Edited

I read it for the second time and understood it better. In the last period, I had to read it several times due to some hesitations.

Hesse's first book is mainly about the discovery of light and the desire for quick unification.

If we don't consider the line in Narcissus and Goldmund. However, its main theme is less there.

Overall, this text seems to be a rather complex exploration of Hesse's work, with various references and interpretations that require careful study and analysis. It may be of interest to those who are familiar with Hesse's literature and are interested in delving deeper into the themes and ideas presented in his works.
July 15,2025
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A short book already, yet I passed through the first 50 pages without really understanding what it was about. If I didn't trust Hermann Hesse, perhaps I could have put it down... But believe me, it's worth reading. Especially the last 15 - 20 pages are very enlightening for those who continue their inner search... I especially liked the concept of "redemption"...


The story seems to unfold gradually, and although the beginning was a bit confusing, as I delved deeper, I started to see the beauty and wisdom within. Hesse's writing style is unique, and it draws you in, making you want to keep reading to uncover the mysteries and meanings.


The idea of "redemption" is explored in an interesting way. It makes you think about your own life and the choices you make. Are we all seeking some form of redemption? Do we have the courage to face our past and make amends? These are the kinds of questions that this book makes you ponder.


Overall, despite the initial confusion, I'm glad I stuck with it. It's a thought-provoking and engaging read that I would recommend to others.

July 15,2025
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The latest story, everything in it is being erased. In the middle, even the wolf of the desert, it was exactly this kind of merging of images, the becoming one of the personalities. From this perspective, this story didn't have much novelty for me and it can't be compared with the other books that I have read at all. Because apart from the fact that those other books were written more maturely, the author gave more control to the subject and their scope was larger. The Journey to the East, on the contrary, like the others, didn't take my mind along with it. I don't know, maybe I am being influenced too much...

It seems that this story didn't have the power to grip me like some of the other works I've encountered. The lack of distinctiveness in the merging of elements and the overall presentation left me a bit underwhelmed. I keep wondering if there's something I'm missing, or if my expectations were simply set too high. Maybe with further reflection, I'll be able to see the hidden gems within this narrative. But for now, it remains a somewhat forgettable experience in my reading journey.
July 15,2025
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This book is a collection of meanings written easily and beautifully. As you read, it unfolds a wonderful narrative about nature, the path, and the journey within us. Maybe it's equivalent to speaking only with praise, briefly and incompletely, or maybe not, I don't know. But the texts that capture and move a person from within leave an incredible charm on the person in the first stage. Probably the author's skill lies here. Creating a higher narrative and oscillating with the reader in that mysterious void... And it is hoped that one day everyone should visit the grotto of Leo within themselves.

This book seems to be a magical key that unlocks the door to a world of profound thoughts and emotions. It takes the reader on a captivating journey, making them reflect on their own lives and the nature that surrounds them. The author's ability to create such a vivid and engaging narrative is truly remarkable. Each page is filled with words that have the power to touch the soul and leave a lasting impression.

Whether you are a lover of literature or simply looking for a book that can inspire and uplift you, this one is definitely worth reading. It will transport you to a place where you can find peace, beauty, and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. So, pick up this book, open its pages, and let the magic begin.
July 15,2025
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I am meeting Hermann Hesse for the first time.

I don't like his books that contain mystical elements.

This encounter with the highly regarded author in this book wasn't what I had hoped for.

However, I am still curious about his other books.

I wonder if they will offer a different reading experience and perhaps change my perception of his works.

Maybe there are hidden gems among his other writings that will resonate with me more deeply.

Despite not being completely satisfied with this initial encounter, I am willing to explore further and give his other books a chance.

Who knows, I might discover a new favorite author in Hermann Hesse after all.
July 15,2025
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I have truly relished the novels penned by Hesse that I have had the pleasure of reading. However, this particular one did not really strike a chord within me.

The narrator, H.H., becomes a part of a quasi-religious organization known as The League. This League has ancient origins and counts among its members both real and fictional figures such as Plato, Don Quixote, Mozart, Tristram Shandy, Baudelaire, and even Puss in Boots (yes, you read that right!). There is a pilgrimage to the East, but it all falls apart when a servant named Leo seemingly vanishes. Of course, as the remainder of the novella unfolds, it becomes clear that Leo is far more than just a servant, with profound reflections on the master/servant dynamic. After several years of despair and doubt regarding The League, H.H. eventually finds his way back (naturally, with the help of Leo) and attains a certain level of enlightenment and self-awareness.

For me, the entire narrative seems a bit self-absorbed. This is not alleviated by Timothy Leary's rather long-winded and overblown introduction. In my view, H.H. is too one-dimensional, overly preoccupied with concepts, inner journeys, and completely detached from the rest of humanity. The philosophy of life presented here, in my personal opinion, is too divorced from interpersonal relationships and overly fixated on the inner journey and self-actualization.

Nevertheless, having had to study Servant-Leadership management theories and being required to manage a team of people on a daily basis, it was interesting to examine the character of Leo and his evolving (yet unchanging) role.

The novella is very concise and perhaps serves as a good starting point for religious and philosophical discussions. Personally, I much preferred Steppenwolf.
July 15,2025
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I didn't get the score because I really didn't understand it.

For reading the first book of the series, in my opinion, it wasn't a correct choice.

Maybe I should have chosen a different book that was more suitable for my level of understanding.

I will try to be more careful in choosing books in the future to ensure that I can fully understand and enjoy the reading experience.

I also need to work harder on improving my language skills so that I can better understand the content of the books I read.

Overall, this experience has taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of choosing the right materials for learning and personal growth.
July 15,2025
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Hermann Hesse is reliable.

I can say that this book is surely my discovery in terms of spiritual matters and interpersonal relationships.

I don't want to reveal too much because everyone interprets this story differently, and it is full of symbols and theories.

For me, it is a tale that is always a mystery.

Probably I will read it again in the future, and then I will find other motifs that attract my attention.

In my opinion, the main character experiences existential problems related to faith, the loss of a loved one, and emotional experiences.

The journey to the east is actually a journey through life.

The character realizes that faith doesn't always help.

He has different assumptions until he comes to the test of his own faith.

We learn how people can be different and how they can impose fear and suffering on us.

Once friends, now strangers.

I could continue to think about all aspects, but everyone must get to know the work of this author on their own skin.

5/5 ⭐️
July 15,2025
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The story initially began at a slow pace, presenting a rather dreamlike and confusing scenario.

It was as if the events were unfolding in a hazy, almost illusory manner, leaving the reader slightly disoriented.

However, as the narrative progressed, something remarkable happened.

Suddenly, the story took a turn and grew extremely interesting.

The plot thickened, and new elements were introduced that captured the reader's attention and held it firmly.

The tension built steadily, leading up to a great climax.

This climax was the pinnacle of the story, a moment of high drama and excitement that left the reader on the edge of their seat.

It was a satisfying conclusion to what had started as a somewhat perplexing but ultimately engaging tale.

July 15,2025
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There is no doubt that the book is rich in meanings and profound. However, the text of the book was very heavy, and with the translation by Kianoush Hedayat, it became an overly heavy writing for me.

I read it, but I didn't like this translation. My attention was constantly drawn to the words, and I was distracted from the flow of the book.

Rayan Aliya, Golghasht, Lamha, Safineh Nooh, Borjushideh, Moziger, Delshadgan Atheri, Hijab Khomari, Khadem Pirsalari, Farjamineh, Hafz-e-Sahheh, Qazi al-Qazat Anjoman, and so on.

Perhaps for poets, scholars of the Persian language, and students, these words are beautiful and worthy, but for the average reader, it will be very difficult to read and tiring.
July 15,2025
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I was taking a book off the shelf to find something to read on a long plane ride. To my surprise, I found the original receipt from when I bought this book. It was back in the summer of 2000! That means there are 8 years between the time I purchased it and now when I'm finally reading it.


What a beautiful book it is! It serves as a short but powerful metaphor for the journey of youth and idealism, which then turns to disillusion and finally to wisdom. The story is just beautiful. Hermann Hesse has always been one of my favorite authors, and now this reading experience has further cemented his place in my heart. I will definitely re-read this book again soon.

July 15,2025
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Hermann Hesse writes in a way that makes it seem as if his words are from a god's perspective. However, I don't believe in god. And, to be honest, for the most part, I find the concept of god rather boring.

Unlike Siddhartha, a book that everyone loves because they are afraid of looking dumb if they don't, Journey to the East is a book that doesn't pretend to have all the answers.

I think this quote from within its text describes it perfectly: "The clearest relationships were distorted, the most obvious were forgotten, the trivial and unimportant pushed into the foreground. It must be written again, right from the beginning…"

The Journey to the East is alluded to many times within John Zelazny's first novel, The Sorrows of Young Mike. In Zelazny's work, the main character is constantly in search of the unknowable while on a journey that will ultimately lead him to the Orient. This adds an interesting layer to the story, as the idea of a journey to the East is often associated with mystery, discovery, and self-discovery. It makes the reader wonder what the main character will find on his journey and how it will change him.

Overall, both Hesse's and Zelazny's works offer unique perspectives on the concept of a journey and the search for meaning.
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