256 pages
English language
Published June 8, 1999
Steppenwolf (originally Der Steppenwolf) is the tenth novel by German-Swiss author Hermann Hesse. Originally published in Germany in 1927, it was first translated into English in 1929. The novel was named after the German name for the steppe wolf. The story in large part reflects a profound crisis in Hesse's spiritual world during the 1920s. Steppenwolf was wildly popular and has been a perpetual success across the decades, but Hesse later asserted that the book was largely misunderstood.
Some parts of this express disgusting, extremely racist sentiments (I'm still not sure to what extent this is considered bad 'in universe'). Other parts of this are extremely fun. It also, as all Hermann Hesse, gives you a lot to think about. In the end, I am happy to have read it.
Some parts of this express disgusting, extremely racist sentiments (I'm still not sure to what extent this is considered bad 'in universe'). Other parts of this are extremely fun. It also, as all Hermann Hesse, gives you a lot to think about. In the end, I am happy to have read it.
Disclaimer: If you are struggling with depression, I would skip this one.
That being said, as a long time Hesse adorer, I found this particular book difficult to get into. I found myself, many times, wanting to put it down in favor of something else. But I continued by sheer will alone and found the ending to be among the best I have ever read. From the masked ball to the magic theater, what a fevered dream of imposing dialogue and candid internal dialogue.
