Siddhartha tells the story of its titular character, a young Brahmin in ancient India. Dissatisfied with his comfortable life, he sets out on a quest for enlightenment, rejecting tradition and lessons of the past. First published in 1922, Siddhartha received mixed reviews and was criticized

for its lack of depth and substance, romanicization of the East and rejection of social responsibility. It is now regarded as one of Herman Hesse's most celebrated works, praised for philosophical depth and spiritual themes.