A review by holodoxa
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse
3.0
It's possible my failure to be completely enthralled by this novel makes me not so very different from the protagonist Harry Haller himself; however, it seems that the insight into human nature that Steppenwolf has to offer is utterly self-evident and decidedly quaint. This may be a function of my educational background (English literature and biomedical sciences) or my personality (somewhat of a rational and individualistic optimist) or the wealth of knowledge and prosperity at our fingertips in 2020 versus 1927 (life is just enjoyable and enriching) or all these factors combined but I simply found Haller's psychological journey predictable and overwrought.
Noting this, I think it is important to give Hesse his due. He clearly is a thoughtful and capable writer. He lyrically parodies the prudery, anxiety, and melancholy of those (mostly Harry) who regard themselves too highly and too seriously. Hesse also demonstrates a proclivity for experimentation and exploration, even a willingness to admit ignorance, which is admirable in an intellectual. Steppenwolf is at least in part a conversation between Western and Eastern conceptions about the psychology of the self, a debate that continues on today with equal fervor. Hesse is clearly partial to some ideas from Eastern philosophy though isn't dismissing Western ideas either - just those that seem to burden one's mind with unwarranted suffering.
Altogether this is likely an interesting read for individuals deeply concerned with philosophy concerning the psychology of the self or individuals interested art/music criticism (there is a lot about music in Steppenwolf that I probably failed to appreciate too), but if you're looking for literary fiction where characters are drawn distinctly and boldly and the plotting is elaborate or at least existent then you may want to avoid this kaleidoscope of one divided (psychologically) and middle-aged man's Odyssey of the mind.
Noting this, I think it is important to give Hesse his due. He clearly is a thoughtful and capable writer. He lyrically parodies the prudery, anxiety, and melancholy of those (mostly Harry) who regard themselves too highly and too seriously. Hesse also demonstrates a proclivity for experimentation and exploration, even a willingness to admit ignorance, which is admirable in an intellectual. Steppenwolf is at least in part a conversation between Western and Eastern conceptions about the psychology of the self, a debate that continues on today with equal fervor. Hesse is clearly partial to some ideas from Eastern philosophy though isn't dismissing Western ideas either - just those that seem to burden one's mind with unwarranted suffering.
Altogether this is likely an interesting read for individuals deeply concerned with philosophy concerning the psychology of the self or individuals interested art/music criticism (there is a lot about music in Steppenwolf that I probably failed to appreciate too), but if you're looking for literary fiction where characters are drawn distinctly and boldly and the plotting is elaborate or at least existent then you may want to avoid this kaleidoscope of one divided (psychologically) and middle-aged man's Odyssey of the mind.