I was an ardent fan of Herman Hesse the moment I came upon his book ’’Siddartha’’. After reading the book I wanted to read each & every book of the author. Then I got this book & I haven’t been disappointed.
This is a story of an ideal teacher & his talented pupil. Narcissus is the teacher in a cloister whose aim in life is to devote self to spirituality & life the life of a monk. Then he comes across this new pupil Goldmund who is an excellent student but a bit lost & confused in life. Narcissus helps his favourite pupil to resolve his past & find a direction in life. But unfortunately the pupil chooses a path totally opposite to the mentor & leaves monastery.
For the rest you’ll have to read the book. Goldmund realizes that he is totally different from his teacher but there is a very strong bond which keeps him attached to him. Narcissus is his best friend & whenever lonely he has longing to go back to his friend & mentor.
The book symbolizes the two main categories of human beings in the world. Narcissus symbolizes the logical types who are clear about what they want & are ready to sacrifice in life to attain the goal. But Goldmund is the one who lets his heart overcome the mind & he is a dreamer. He wants to feel & experience everything beautiful in life & is a wanderer at heart.
The books talks about their differences but also about a thin line of similarity which runs across these two great friends.
A must read for all lovers of quality books. Although a fiction this books like ’’Siddartha’’ makes you think about self, external world & creates a need to read more of these kinds of books.