Fun-wise, Knulp, I like the whole freedom thing very much.
But the Glass Bead Game is my favorite book. He spent 11 years on it and it really showed.

Best,
Duke

It is hard to apply the term "novel" to Hesse's writing because his prose defied the literary standards and definitions (which fact did not endear him to the literary community) :-( But "novel" is the term of choice for most of us in the absence of something better. From a technical literary point of view, Gertrude and Rosshalde are very well written, but they are among the lesser known works because their themes did not stir up the public as much as Demian, Klein and Wagner, and Steppenwolf, for example. Personally I agree with the popular choice of Siddhartha because of its great simplicity of structure and themes, and the unheard of accomplishment of describing Siddhartha's evolution from Brahmin's son to ferryman in less than 100 pages, which demonstrates that it can be done.

Interesting questions, Duke! I wonder what everyone else will have to say.
Gunther

Can we go back to the original Hesse list? I am sorry to say but I don't find the Forum user friendly enough. It confuses me!
My favourite is...are three and I can't renounce to any of them: Siddhartha, Narziss and Goldmund and TGBG
Best,
Delia Friedberg
ps. I need the address of the Hesse-L. I lost it in the computer crack-downs.

If you are not subscribed send a one-liner to listserv@listserv.ucsb.edu with the text "subscribe Hesse-L Your Name". I you want to post to the list, send your text to Hesse-L@listserv.ucsb.edu. Despite the low volume of discussion on that particular list, the university still supports it. The list uses a different format than the Forum of the Hesse Page HHP at www.gss.ucsb.edu/projects/hesse. Hope this helps.
Gunther

I'm not a literary critic by any means, but on a very personal note I loved Narcissus and Goldmund. It literally changed my perspective on life. I've read it many times and relate closely with the character Goldmund. I lost my mother at a young age and was turned out into the world. Unfortunately for me, I am what Hesse described as a mystic. One without the artistic talents to release the vision.

At the end of the day, isn't it in the eye of the reader. Shouldn't all art cause an emotional reaction in the individual? If it does, isn't it successful? If so why do we need to measure anything in objective terms?

My Favorite Hesse novel is Glasperlenspiel. I enjoy it's narrator very much. I am reading it for the second time now and am finding that it as even more fulfilling the second time around.

I am reading Goldmund now, cuase of your post.
thanks for the advice

My favorite Hesse novel is Steppenwolf. In fact, I think it's my favorite novel of all time. I re-read it periodically and I'm still fasinated by it.

Hi Rhonda

Steppenwoolf is my favourite book of all time as well. What is it about it that fascinates you?

My favorite book is Unterm Rad. I re-read it for 12 years.