This collection of Hesse's early short stories has been a solid read so far. It has been fun to see him develop as a writer - from early short stories that deal with issues of society and conforming to rules, to later stages that include aspects of coming of age and hints of existential angst. 

There were a couple of stories where I was reminded of the mindset of the protagonist of Unterm Rad (Beneath the Wheel), which was my gateway drug to Hesse. 

So, I have a fondness for these stories. 

Unfortunately, my reading enjoyment is suffering a little from the external circumstances at the moment. 

This is not a great time to read an author who specialises in portraying anxiety and existential despair. 

Still, I am not abandoning the book or setting it aside. I've come to the part where his stories are reflecting some of the major events of his time - i.e. WWI. - and I don't believe I have read anything by Hesse from that era before.

So, I am intrigued, but I am also approaching the last 160 pages of this collection with some hesitation.

I finally finished my first read for the 16 festive tasks! Yea! And even better, I loved it. If it'd been a bit longer I probably would have given it the full five-stars.

Siddhartha is about a man who's searching for enlightenment, or a peaceful existance, and goes on a pilgrimage to find it.

You will, he spoke, go into the forest and be a Samana. When you have found blissfulness in the forest, then come back and teach me to be blissful.

I've always been interested in spirituality, moreso of late, so was naturally inclined towards this book. It's written in a very simple style which works perfectly as a reflection of the simplicity of life that Siddhartha seeks.

Initially Siddhartha plans to find enlightenement in the teachings of others, but quickly finds this unsatisfactory.

...nobody will obtain salvation by means of teachings! You will not be able to convey and say to anybody, oh venerable one, in words and through teachings what has happened to you in the hour of enlightenment

This is very true and something I've recenly discovered for myself; you have to find the answers on your own. Others can guide you, but ultimately it's up to you.

From this point Siddhartha goes off on his own to find peace and dabbles in the life of riches in his quest.

He had been captured by the world, by lust, covetousness, sloth and finally also by that vice which he had used to despise and mock the most of all vices: greed.

He abandons this life and goes to live with a ferryman he'd met at an earlier pont, but does he at last find enlightenment? I'd recommend you read it and find out because it's only roughly 100 pages long and well worth your time.

Slowly the disease of the soul, which rich people have,

grabbed hold of him.

Even though it's written in quite a dry style, I'm still enjoying this a lot. It's about a young man, Siddhartha, who leaves his home in search of enlightenment. I've been getting much more interested in mindfulness these days than ever before, so this was something I've been itching to get too. Plus, when I found out it's set in India, fulfilling the requirements for square number 14, I knew it was definitely the time.