Journey to the East by Hermann Hesse

[Originally published in my Medium page: link here]

This book can be easily envisioned as a psychological movie, which (if directed correctly) could win an Oscar. Journey to the East blurs the lines between reality and heightened “reality” (what most would call imaginary).

Our main character, H.H, describes his spiritual travels with a group, The League, determined to find the ultimate truth. While everything seems to be going well, the disappearance of Leo marks the disintegration of the group (this small scene can inspire essays on topics such as groupthink, flow, scapegoat, etc.)

The description of the time spend travel to the east, reminded me of a cult; not the scary representation that the media has cultivated, but a more peaceful community of individuals. H.H tries to recount his experience in his novel, but fails to successfully put it into words or even recall his time within the League.

I grew a bit frustrated from how simple the novel seemed; It addressed and brought forth deep/complex topics, but didn’t venture further than that. It almost teased the reader as a “you should have been there” joke. I feel I got the bare minimum of the novel and that is exactly what Hesse wanted.

***Start of spoiler

H.H meets Leo again. Leo turns out to be the president of the league and the ultimate test of faith towards the league commenced when it disbanded. I felt bad for H.H when the League officials told him he strayed away from the league, even if he was desperately trying to find it all this time. In his search, he lost the basic practices and thoughts so he could never find his way back.

To remain faithful to a belief despite not being monitored, regulated, or in a community must be the only way to really instill a pure set of beliefs. It really brings to light who a person is or rather what they are made of without the help/influence of others.

Interesting ending — it can get confusing if you overthink it.

***End of spoiler

All in all it’s a very short novel, but when carefully dissected it becomes gigantic in terms of themes, symbolism, etc. Margin-writers must have.

Read this book if secret society with the upmost respect for knowledge is your thing or want a short story that makes your eyebrows pull together.

• Rate: 4/5
• Time: Can be read in less than a day
• Book-Shelve Worthy: Might have to dedicate a whole space just for Hermann Hesse

Quoteworthy

Everything becomes questionable as soon as I consider it closely, everything slips away and dissolves.

Faith is stronger than so-called reason.

Journey to the East by Hermann Hesse