Steppenwolf

De: Hermann Hesse

Narrado por: Peter Weller

Harry Haller is a sad and lonely figure, a reclusive intellectual for whom life holds no joy. He struggles to reconcile the wild, primeval wolf and the rational man within himself without surrendering to the bourgeois values he despises. His life changes dramatically when he meets a woman who is his opposite, the carefree and elusive Hermine.

With its blend of Eastern mysticism and Western culture, Steppenwolf, Hesse' best-known and most autobiographical work, originally published in English in 1929, continues to speak to our souls as a classic of modern literature.

©1927 S. Fischer Verlag A. G., Berlin. Renewal copyright 1955 Hermann Hesse. English translation copyright B 1929 Henry Holt and Company. Renewal copyright 1957 Hermann Hesse. Revised translation copyright 1963 Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, Inc. Author's note copyright 1961 Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt Am Main (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America

Best Novel on Intellectual Male's Midlife Crisis

I likely would have ridiculed this novel at 20, when I was unconquerable, infinite, the world my oyster. Thirty years on, having been through the process of disenchantment called life, and survived the tragic ends (de facto and de jure) of each chapter of my personal myth--the perfect job, a huge house, insane wealth, and adoration of both my looks and smarts--I find this novel profound.

Hermann Hesse wrote this in his late 40s and I can see parts of myself--now and in my recent past--in his fictional alter ego, Harry Haller, a self-isolated intellectual who thinks of himself as a steppenwolf (or a wolf from the steppes), experiencing an ongoing existential crisis, bouts of acute loneliness, fleeting thoughts of death, and a continuing coming to terms with a bourgeois society which he hates yet needs. I can see the wisdom of a life lived, in terms spiritual and at times--even still--animalistic.

I found fascinating the magic theatre to which Harry was invited, a place which serves as a reminder of why he should want to live, allowing him to experience encounters (not necessarily sexual) with females from his past, meetings with these unrequited loves or lusts in which he's no longer shy nor suffering the hangups and insecurities of a young man or boy.

Variations of this magical venue often pepper my dreams. Call them my subconscious yawps for immortality, or maybe, on a deeper level, my psyche's nocturnal pursuits of prurient propagation.

I highly recommend this novel to men in their 40s and 50s, and to their spouses/partners for possible enlightenment.

Masterpiece

Weller's delivery of this potent work is spot on in every way. This novel is a favorite of mine, but I will be looking into other audio books Weller narrates on the strength of this performance.

No thrill of discovery

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

yes, the book. Not the audio.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steppenwolf?

When it was discovered that Steppenwolf was meeting a beautiful lady, and who she was.

How could the performance have been better?

The mysterious parts could have sounded more mysterious and intriguing.

Could you see Steppenwolf being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not for Americans. It is too heavy for the general public. Maybe on PBS< though.

"Not for Everybody"

"Not for Everybody" interesting but parts are still. worth a read or listen. ta ta.

I can't get past the narrator

The character voices are inconsistent, it sounds like everyone is drunk or apathetic and the narration feels like ear sandpaper.
I'm sure other people will love the voice for the book, but I struggled.

A Masterpiece That Transcends Time and Era

Wow. This book was an intellectual tour de force. If your love music, or philosophy, literature, language, or spirituality, or even if you’re just looking for a book that’s thoughtful in a way that causes it to transcend its own era, then you’re in for a treat. I would also note how surprised I was at the author’s prescience. He foresaw so much of the tragedy of the 20th century and put it all down right here in print as a warning way back in the 190’s. Fascinating read.

Diff Btwn Literature & Entertainment Only

I've answered this now-cliche question to my satisfaction in a couple ways, but nothing beats a great example, and this is one of them. I can see where it's not for everyone at every time, but I was so glad I stuck it out (the beginning was a little slow in parts). And I don't believe it could have been read any more perfectly. Please put me on the list of people who want to be notified when any audiobooks with Peter Weller as Narrator are released. Thank you!

Pasionate!

A great narration for a great book. No doubt its a book to read several times through your life...

Beautiful novel beautifully read

It is difficult to do justice to this complex story with its many layers of meaning, but this presentation is truly extraordinary. Many parallels with our own time make Steppenwolf as relevant now as when it was written.

great story, well told

Would you listen to Steppenwolf again? Why?

yes, but I won't wait the 40 plus years it has been since I 1st read it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harry Holler

Which character – as performed by Peter Weller – was your favorite?

Harry Holler

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, it is too dense for taking in all in one dose. I preferred listening in several installments

Any additional comments?

There is a lot to reflect on in this work.