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Steppenwolf Audiobook
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(4.00) - 40,742 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
With its blend of Eastern mysticism and Western culture, Hesse’s best-known and most autobiographical work is one of literature’s most poetic evocations of the soul’s journey to liberation
Harry Haller is a sad and lonely figure, a reclusive intellectual for whom life holds no joy. He struggles to reconcile the wild primeval wolf and the rational man within himself without surrendering to the bourgeois values he despises. His life changes dramatically when he meets a woman who is his opposite, the carefree and elusive Hermine.
Originally published in English in 1929, Steppenwolf ’s wisdom continues to speak to our souls and marks it as a classic of modern literature.
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"I've read Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf four times now: while in my twenties, thirties, forties, and most recently at age 50. Each reading was even more rewarding than the previous, with the last one sort of blowing my mind. Not only is the book itself about the inner world of a man turning 50, but Hesse himself was about to reach that age when he wrote it. Hesse is my favorite author, revered by many, and there's probably not a lot I can add to all that's been said about his work. But I will say that my last perusal of this great tome was a truly unique literary experience, profound and relevant in ways I could never have imagined until this very point in my life. As a matter of fact, after a young friend of mine read this book (at my recommendation) he said to me "Thom, you are the Steppenwolf!" All I could say in return was "Is it that obvious?""
— Thombeau (5 out of 5 stars)
Steppenwolf Listener Reviews
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" when you are rally down to the floor "
— Andrej, 2/15/2014 -
" I didn't know why I hadn't read Steppenwolf, but now at age 50,I know that I'm glad that I hadn't. This book is appropriate for me, as I am the age of poor Harry. I am also at that point in my life, as is Harry, when time spent too much alone makes a hungry mind turn back to gnaw on itself. The man vs. beast idea is seized by the young who fight with their own dualism. The other subtleties in this book, the examinations of one's calluses made by the injuries of living, can only be truely admired at middle age. A fine work. "
— Diane, 2/13/2014 -
" I read this after I read Siddhartha and absolutely loved it. Herman Hesse was brilliant. "
— Caitlin, 2/3/2014 -
" On page 139 of my edition, the narrator thinks "[h]adn't we all as connoisseurs and critics in our youth been consumed with love for works of art and for artists that today we regarded with doubt and dismay?" That pretty much sums up my thoughts on Steppenwolf. "
— Hamish, 1/19/2014 -
" A complex novel whose main contributions are the philosophical. The ending, though queer, is utterly entrancing when one can't anticipate each turn the narrative takes. "
— Matthew, 1/9/2014 -
" Storm of ideas, very smart and fresh in any time. All great exept the ending.. "
— Nikita, 12/23/2013 -
" I've read this now two or three times. It is a simple tale, but filled with complex lessons of humility, honor, and devotion. "
— Bill, 12/3/2013 -
" This book was as birthday gift from John. I can't believe I studied German for more than a decade and never read Hesse. This book has so much wonderful philosophy and ruminations on the human condition. I dislike Harry Haller but he makes sense to me, as well. Now I want to read Siddhartha. "
— Margaret, 11/13/2013 -
" No one under 50 years of age should read this; you won't quite get it. A masterpiece wasted on young minds. "
— Gary, 11/4/2013 -
" read the german, tedious. "
— Jan, 9/22/2013 -
" Not nearly as enjoyable as Siddhartha. Had it's moments, but not as much my cup of tea. A novel of loneliness, depression, cognitive dissonance, suicide, drugs and sex. "
— Todd, 7/13/2013 -
" Meant a lot when I was a moody teen. Looking back, I don't know... "
— Mac, 4/14/2013 -
" A deep, dark analysis of the very human soul, definitely a 'must read'! "
— Chris, 11/20/2012 -
" One of the best books I ever read. "
— Ðнтон, 2/1/2012 -
" though it was an assigned book, i actually really enjoyed it. the characters can be viewed from several different ways and each provides more insight into the theme of the novel. a must-read for any well-read. "
— sarah, 10/21/2011 -
" (see my review of Siddhartha. Same applies to this one!) "
— Jeffrey, 10/9/2011 -
" I read this book as a teenager, and need to read it again. I don't remember much about it - other than the fact that I felt a strong connection to Hesse's writing. "
— Michael, 9/3/2011 -
" I know it's a classic. Read it in High School. Not my cup of tea then. Maybe I should read it again today ... 25 years later. "
— Sylvia, 6/24/2011 -
" Read this many years ago, but remains one of my all time favorite. "
— Janice, 5/22/2011 -
" One of the best books I've ever read. I read it in one sitting. "
— Sang, 5/22/2011 -
" Me and Siddharta agree ! It's all abouts the love; take that, world of transitory illusion! "
— Zachary, 5/21/2011 -
" i have and do always love this book "
— L, 5/19/2011 -
" I remember being happy after reading this book. Herman Hesse makes you think about life and the different stages. Excellent! Highly Recommended! "
— Madina, 5/18/2011 -
" one of my favorite books "
— Amy, 5/16/2011 -
" A plot driven book with characters who don't feel authentic. "
— Thadd, 5/15/2011 -
" just reread siddhartha again. i liked it better when i was younger, but find it far more true now that i'm older. "
— Nicki, 5/13/2011 -
" A story about Siddhartha's spiritual journey to find the truth and in the process himself. The enthralling journey takes him to saints, merchants, courtesan, ferryman, etc. With each acquaintance he learnt something which took him near to the truth. Short and concise novel and a classic. "
— Saugat, 5/13/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this book, but I don't have time to do a full review. "
— Darla, 5/12/2011 -
" The last 12th chapter was beautifully written. Simple and expertly told, of a subject that would be difficult to relate. "
— Chris, 5/9/2011 -
" I had to read this book for English class. I thought it was very boring and Herman Hesse's style of writing was boring also. No reason to read this book unless you're forced to! "
— Chanel, 5/9/2011
About Hermann Hesse
Hermann Hesse (1877–1962) was born in Germany and later became a citizen of Switzerland. As a Western man profoundly affected by the mysticism of Eastern thought, he wrote many novels, stories, and essays that bear a vital spiritual force that has captured many generations of readers. In 1946 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
About Peter Weller
Peter Weller is a film and stage actor whose theater credits include David Rabe’s Streamers, David Mamet’s The Woods, and Richard Nelson’s Frank’s Home. His many film works include RoboCop, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai, Woody Allen’s Mighty Aphrodite, The New Age, and Naked Lunch. His short film Partners received an Oscar nomination.