Audiobooks by Herman Hesse

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. In Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse crafts a profound spiritual journey that transcends time and culture. Set in ancient India during the time of the Buddha, the novel follows the life of Siddhartha, a young Brahmin who embarks on a lifelong quest for enlightenment, not through dogma or instruction, but through direct personal experience. Dissatisfied with the rituals and teachings of his upbringing, Siddhartha sets out on a path of self-discovery. He joins ascetic monks, seeks wisdom from Gautama the Buddha, indulges in worldly pleasures, and eventually retreats into solitude—all in pursuit of inner peace and truth. Along the way, he meets key figures who shape his understanding of life: the gentle ferryman Vasudeva, the wise courtesan Kamala, and the river itself, whose timeless flow teaches him the nature of existence. Hesse’s language is poetic and restrained, mirroring the quiet depth of the spiritual themes explored: the unity of all things, the illusion of time, the futility of rigid doctrine, and the necessity of suffering and love on the path to awakening. The novel refuses easy answers, offering instead a meditative exploration of the self and its place in the world. Siddhartha is more than a philosophical parable—it is a literary pilgrimage into the essence of being. Revered by readers across generations, it remains a cornerstone of modern spiritual literature, appealing to anyone in search of meaning, balance, and a deeper connection to life."

Herman Hesse (Author), Digital Voice Andrew E (Narrator)

Audiobook

Demian

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. In Demian, Hermann Hesse delivers a deeply introspective and symbolic coming-of-age novel that explores the dualities of good and evil, conformity and individuality, light and shadow. Narrated by Emil Sinclair, the story begins with his childhood in a respectable bourgeois home—a “world of light”—but quickly reveals an internal tension: the seductive pull of a darker, more authentic self he cannot suppress. Sinclair’s life takes a pivotal turn when he meets Max Demian, a mysterious and intellectually precocious boy who encourages him to question societal norms and seek truth beyond conventional morality. Demian becomes both a mentor and a mirror, guiding Sinclair on an inward journey through temptation, spiritual rebellion, love, war, and self-knowledge. At the heart of the novel is the Gnostic concept that the divine encompasses both light and dark—that one must embrace their inner contradictions to achieve wholeness. Hesse weaves myth, philosophy, and psychological depth into every page, offering a narrative that is as metaphysical as it is emotional. Written in the aftermath of World War I and infused with Jungian themes, Demian is not simply a Bildungsroman—it is a spiritual awakening rendered in fiction. It resonates with anyone who has questioned their place in the world, wrestled with inner conflict, or sought to break free from the expectations of others in pursuit of an authentic path. A timeless exploration of identity and the sacred self, Demian continues to challenge and inspire readers to this day."

Herman Hesse (Author), Digital Voice Andrew E (Narrator)

Audiobook

Siddhartha

"“Hermann Hesse's 'Siddhartha' is a poetic and philosophical journey that will captivate and enlighten readers seeking to understand the human spirit and the quest for inner peace.” Embark on a soul-stirring adventure with Siddhartha, as he navigates the tumultuous currents of life in search of truth. From the sacred halls of his Brahmin home to the bustling marketplaces and the tranquil riverbank, his quest for enlightenment is a riveting tale of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Through his encounters with sages, courtesans, and a wise ferryman, Siddhartha learns that the path to peace lies in embracing the present and recognizing the unity of all existence. Hesse's lyrical prose and profound wisdom make 'Siddhartha' a beacon for those seeking to understand the mysteries of the human condition."

Herman Hesse (Author), Xue Mingwei (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Siddhartha - Hörbuch Klassiker: Eine Indische Dichtung

"Siddhartha von Hermann Hesse ist ein zeitloser, philosophischer Roman über die spirituelle Reise eines jungen Brahmanen, der nach Erleuchtung sucht. Unzufrieden mit traditionellen Lehren begibt sich Siddhartha auf einen Weg der Selbstfindung, auf dem er Askese, Liebe, Reichtum und Verzweiflung erlebt, bevor er schließlich inneren Frieden durch eigene Erfahrung erlangt. Mit poetischer Sprache und tiefgründigen Themen verbindet Hesse östliche Weisheit mit westlichem Existenzialismus und schafft ein Werk von bleibender Wirkung."

Herman Hesse, Hörbuch Klassiker (Author), Klaus Reinhardt (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Hungarian] - Sziddhárta

Herman Hesse (Author), Máté Gábor (Narrator)

Audiobook

Siddhartha

"Written by Hermann Hesse in 1922, Siddhartha is a timeless tale of a man’s quest for self-discovery and enlightenment. The story follows Siddhartha from youth to old age, chronicling his profound journey to understand himself and the world around him. Throughout my life, I have returned to Siddhartha as a source of wisdom, discovering new insights at different stages of my own journey. This masterpiece has always been a source of inspiration, enriching my reflections on life as I seek answers to its enduring questions. Life is a continuous process of growth and transformation, and Siddhartha eloquently captures this. As we navigate the myriad shades and transitions of our existence, new doors open, inviting us to explore, feel, and take the next steps on our path. As a voiceover artist, it has been a great honor to narrate this enduring work. My goal in this narration was to immerse listeners in the emotional and spiritual passages of Siddhartha’s journey, guiding them through the profound themes of self-discovery, emotion, and enlightenment that continue to resonate in our contemporary world. —Lea Sakran"

Herman Hesse (Author), Lea Sakran (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Weihnachten mit Hermann Hesse. Gedichte und Betrachtungen (Gekürzt)

"Es sind vor allem seine Kindheitserinnerungen, die Hermann Hesse mit Weihnachten verbindet. Doch je älter er wurde, desto mehr distanzierte er sich von der geschäftstüchtigen Rührseligkeit, die mittlerweile das 'Fest der Liebe' bestimmte. Daher durchzieht ein Zwiespalt von Ehrfurcht und spöttischer Distanz die Betrachtungen und Gedichte, die Hesse über die Weihnachtszeit verfasst hat. Dennoch findet er immer wieder Halt und Schönheit in winterlichen Landschaften, aufmerksamen Geschenken und nicht zuletzt in seinem Glauben - einfühlsam interpretiert von Ulrich Noethen."

Herman Hesse (Author), Ulrich Noethen (Narrator)

Audiobook

Demian, The Story Of Emil Sinclair's Youth. Siddhartha

"Emil Sinclair is the protagonist of Hermann Hesse's novel 'Demian', a coming-of-age story that explores the psychological and spiritual development of a young boy. Sinclair struggles with the dualities of good and evil, innocence and corruption, as he seeks to understand his own identity. His journey is heavily influenced by his enigmatic friend, Max Demian, who introduces him to unconventional ideas about self-awareness, individuality, and the rejection of societal norms. As Sinclair grows, he experiences inner conflicts and revelations, ultimately learning to embrace both light and darkness as essential parts of human existence. The novel delves into themes of self-discovery, existentialism, and the search for meaning. 'Siddhartha' is a profound novel that follows the spiritual journey of a young man named Siddhartha during the time of Gautama Buddha. The story explores his quest for enlightenment as he abandons a life of privilege to seek truth through various paths, including asceticism, sensual pleasures, and self-discovery. Throughout his journey, Siddhartha learns that true wisdom cannot be taught but must be experienced. The novel delves deeply into themes of inner peace, self-realization, and the interconnectedness of all life, reflecting Hesse's own spiritual and philosophical inquiries"

Herman Hesse (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Oracle (Narrator)

Audiobook

Demian, The Story Of Emil Sinclair's Youth

"Emil Sinclair is the protagonist of Hermann Hesse's novel 'Demian', a coming-of-age story that explores the psychological and spiritual development of a young boy. Sinclair struggles with the dualities of good and evil, innocence and corruption, as he seeks to understand his own identity. His journey is heavily influenced by his enigmatic friend, Max Demian, who introduces him to unconventional ideas about self-awareness, individuality, and the rejection of societal norms. As Sinclair grows, he experiences inner conflicts and revelations, ultimately learning to embrace both light and darkness as essential parts of human existence. The novel delves into themes of self-discovery, existentialism, and the search for meaning. Hermann Hesse was a German-Swiss author and poet renowned for his deeply philosophical and spiritual works, which often explore themes of self-discovery, the individual's quest for meaning, and the dualities of life. Born in 1877, Hesse’s writing is marked by his interest in Eastern religions, Jungian psychology, and existential thought. Some of his most famous works, including *Siddhartha*, *Demian*, and *Steppenwolf*, reflect his own personal struggles with identity and spirituality. Hesse received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946, and his work continues to resonate with readers who seek to understand the complexities of the human soul."

Herman Hesse (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Oracle (Narrator)

Audiobook

Siddhartha: (Dover Thrift Editions)

"This classic novel of self-discovery has inspired generations of seekers. With parallels to the enlightenment of the Buddha, Hesse's Siddhartha is the story of a young Brahmin's quest for the ultimate reality. His quest takes him from the extremes of indulgent sensuality to the rigors of ascetism and self-denial. At last he learns that wisdom cannot be taught - it must come from one's own experience and inner struggle. Steeped in the tenets of both psychoanalysis and Eastern mysticism, Siddhartha presents a strikingly original view of man and culture, and the arduous process of self-discovery that leads to reconciliation, harmony, and peace. This audio edition of Stanley Appelbaum's translation of Siddhartha is beautifully read by award-winning narrator Neil Shah, a listener favorite. Shah's repertoire also includes such acclaimed work as I Am an Executioner: Love Stories by Rajesh Parameswaran (Audie nomination), The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais (Soundcommentary.com Editor's pick 2013), and Stringer: A Reporter’s Journey In the Congo by Anjan Sundaram (AudioFile Earphones Award). ©1998, Dover Publications, Inc. Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont."

Herman Hesse (Author), Neil Shah (Narrator)

Audiobook

Siddhartha (Unabridged)

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Enter the captivating world of Siddhartha, a man on a profound quest for meaning. Narrated in a timeless voice, Hermann Hesse's masterpiece follows Siddhartha's journey through the bustling life of ancient India. Dissatisfied with his sheltered upbringing, he ventures into the world, encountering both the pleasures and perils of the material world. Alongside ascetics and businessmen, he searches for spiritual fulfillment through meditation and worldly experience. Yet, true enlightenment might lie in the most unexpected of places. Will Siddhartha find the answers he craves? Listen to discover his path to self-discovery."

Herman Hesse (Author), Digital Voice Matt G (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Glass Bead Game: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

"A full-cast adaptation of the classic novel by Nobel Prize-winner Hermann Hesse, starring Derek Jacobi – plus a bonus short story Originally published in 1943, The Glass Bead Game was Herman Hesse’s last novel. It was hailed as his magnum opus, and was instrumental in securing him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946. Set in a utopian future society, it explores themes of knowledge, individualism, creativity and spirituality, and has inspired contemporary thinkers from authors to game designers. Narrated by Derek Jacobi, this two-part radio drama tells the story of Joseph Knecht (Tom Ferguson), plucked from obscurity as a young orphan, admitted to the finest elite school and groomed for greatness in the Castalian Order. This select group of intellectuals live a closeted life of study and devotion to the Glass Bead Game, an elaborate game that is the most complete possible expression of every discipline – from science and mathematics to the arts, music and philosophy. As the years go by, Joseph strives to grasp the innermost meaning of the Game and understand its complexities and possibilities. He becomes a leading light in the Order, and is sent on a diplomatic mission to bridge the gulf between the Catholic Church and Castalia. But he never stops questioning the system that has swept him so quickly and smoothly to high office. And when he achieves the exalted position of Magister Ludi – Master of the Game – he suffers a crisis of conscience, as his deepening doubts about this idealistic and sanitised society threaten to topple its very foundations… Also included is The City, a 15-minute fable about the birth and death of a city taken from Herman Hesse's collection of fairy tales and read by Andrew Hilton. Cast Biographer – Derek Jacobi Joseph Knecht – Tom Ferguson Fritz – Toby Hadoke Music Master – Malcolm Raeburn Van der Trave – Terence Mann Plinio – David Seddon Bertram – Jonathan Keeble Father Jacobus – David Fleeshman Young Joseph – Aidan Parsons Helena – Olwen May President – Terence Mann Tito – Oliver Gomm Dramatised by Lavinia Greenlaw Produced by Charlotte Riches Directed by Susan Roberts First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18-25 July 2010 The City Read by Andrew Hilton Produced by Sara Davies First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 December 2002 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Herman Hesse (Author), Derek Jacobi, Full Cast, Tom Ferguson (Narrator)

Audiobook