SIDDHARTHA: Sequel Vs. Sequel
The classic, Nobel-prize winning novel Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, has sparked two sequels of note.
One is ‘Little Siddhartha’ by William Irwin, the other is ‘Nagendra’ by Scott Meredith. Nagendra is available in a stand-alone edition (with 26 5-star ratings), and also, more recently, bundled together with Hesse’s original Siddhartha (in a brilliant new fresh and corrected translation), as a convenient double-book single volume: Siddhartha Vamsha (Amazon.com).
Aside from noting that Nagendra first pioneered the entire Siddhartha fan-fiction space of tracing out the son’s journey (Nagendra appeared 2015, followed by Little Sid in 2018), I want to be totally impartial and neutral about considering these two ambitious literary efforts side by side. So I have had ChatGPT and Grok both opine on them, and compare and contrast.
Here’s the result from ChatGPT:
Prompt: Compare the novel Nagendra by Scott Meredith to William Irwin’s novel Little Siddhartha
Both Nagendra by Scott Meredith and Little Siddhartha by William Irwin engage deeply with the spiritual legacy of Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, but they do so in markedly different ways, reflecting contrasting ambitions, styles, and philosophical concerns.
Spiritual Lineage and Intent
William Irwin’s Little Siddhartha is explicitly a sequel to Hesse’s novel. It picks up after Siddhartha, following the titular character’s son as he seeks his own spiritual path. Irwin stays close to Hesse’s original tone and terrain — lush, meditative, and rooted in Eastern philosophy — essentially crafting a companion piece meant to echo the original’s rhythms and themes.
Scott Meredith’s Nagendra, by contrast, is less a sequel and more a response to the philosophical core of Siddhartha. Rather than continuing a narrative, Meredith interrogates and reimagines the existential and spiritual struggles at the heart of Hesse’s work. It’s more iconoclastic, offering a critical, sometimes satirical lens through which to explore Eastern wisdom in the Western world.
Style and Voice
Little Siddhartha mimics Hesse’s lyrical simplicity. Irwin favors spare, symbolic prose and a narrative arc that moves like a parable. It’s gentle, accessible, and consciously reverent of its source material.
Nagendra, on the other hand, is formally more ambitious. Meredith’s language is sharper, his structure more layered, and his tone often ironic. He brings in modern anxieties — spiritual commodification, identity confusion, and Western appropriation of Eastern ideas — and handles them with both wit and philosophical gravity.
Setting and Worldview
Irwin’s novel is set in an unspecified but idyllic East, reinforcing the timeless, placeless quality of spiritual journeying. It invites readers to suspend disbelief and embrace a serene, metaphysical path.
Meredith grounds Nagendra more in the real and the contemporary. His characters contend with the East-West cultural divide head-on. The “guru” figure in Nagendra is as much a product of Western longing as of Eastern tradition, making the book feel more like a cultural critique than a spiritual balm.
Reception and Purpose
Little Siddhartha has found a modest audience among those who simply want “more” Siddhartha. It’s an act of homage, offering continuity and comfort.
Nagendra is more polarizing — and more intellectually provocative. It appeals to readers who are skeptical of spiritual pieties, or at least curious about the darker, more complex side of the spiritual quest.
… and here is Grok 4 opining on the same prompt:
Scott Meredith’s *Nagendra* and William Irwin’s *Little Siddhartha: A Sequel* are both sequels to Hermann Hesse’s classic novel *Siddhartha* (1922), which explores a spiritual journey of self-discovery in ancient India. Each sequel reimagines the legacy of Hesse’s protagonist through the lens of his son, but they differ significantly in narrative focus, thematic emphasis, and stylistic approach. Below is a detailed comparison based on available information about the two works.
### 1. **Premise and Protagonist**
- **Nagendra (S. E. Meredith)**: *Nagendra* follows the story of Siddhartha’s young son, who rejects his birth name and his father’s spiritual path of purity and truth. Instead, Nagendra embarks on a quest for personal power, driven by a fiery temperament and a desire to avoid perceived weakness in his father’s gentle, Buddhist-inspired philosophy. His journey takes him across ancient India, from Arunachala to Badrinath, engaging with martial arts, Tantra, Yoga, and Indian epic traditions. The narrative contrasts sharply with Siddhartha’s pious aspirations, focusing on Nagendra’s pursuit of temporal and spiritual strength through intense, often violent experiences.[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith/dp/1517048141)[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith-ebook/dp/B014LOTALK)
- **Little Siddhartha (William Irwin)**: *Little Siddhartha* centers on Rahula, the son of Siddhartha, who is depicted as a wealthy merchant with little interest in spirituality, unlike his father. Rahula’s son, also named Siddhartha (referred to as “Little Siddhartha”), seeks a spiritual path, aligning more with his grandfather’s quest for enlightenment and the teachings of Gotama (the Buddha). The story explores generational conflict, with Rahula opposing his son’s desire to join Gotama’s monks, mirroring the elder Siddhartha’s earlier rebellion against his own father. The narrative emphasizes a universal quest for wisdom against a backdrop of love, forgiveness, family, and nature.[](https://buddhistfictionblog.wordpress.com/2021/07/06/kate-brandt-reviews-little-siddhartha-by-william-irwin/)[](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-siddhartha-william-irwin/1129700775)[](https://www.kings.edu/news/irwin)
**Comparison**: Both novels focus on Siddhartha’s son, but *Nagendra* portrays a rebellious figure seeking power through worldly and martial means, explicitly rejecting his father’s spiritual legacy. In contrast, *Little Siddhartha* presents Rahula as a materialistic figure, with his son drawn to spirituality, creating a cyclical narrative that echoes Hesse’s original themes of rebellion and reconciliation. *Nagendra* is more action-oriented and intense, while *Little Siddhartha* is introspective and philosophical.
### 2. **Thematic Focus**
- **Nagendra**: The novel emphasizes a dynamic interplay between spiritual and temporal power, blending Hesse’s poetic sensibility with the “austere wisdom” of Indian traditions like Tantra, Yoga, and martial arts. It explores themes of rebellion, passion, violence, and transcendence, with Nagendra’s journey marked by “ecstatic highs and soul-crushing lows.” The narrative incorporates a vivid love story and engages deeply with Indian mythology and martial traditions, presenting a broader spectrum of human experience, including its darker aspects. Reviewers note its “psychedelic and sobering” quality and its cinematic intensity, suggesting a modern, visceral reinterpretation of Hesse’s world.[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith/dp/1517048141)[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith-ebook/dp/B014LOTALK)
- **Little Siddhartha**: This sequel focuses on Buddhist philosophy, particularly concepts like anatman (no-self), the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path, woven into a narrative about finding one’s unique path to wisdom. The river, a central metaphor from Hesse’s original, remains significant, symbolizing the eternal yet ever-changing nature of life. The story emphasizes love, forgiveness, and family dynamics, with a gentler, more mystical tone. It avoids being a philosophical treatise, instead presenting Buddhist insights through storytelling, and is praised for capturing the “enduring charm and magic” of Hesse’s original while enhancing its philosophical depth.[](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Siddhartha-Sequel-William-Irwin/dp/1947067486)[](https://buddhistfictionblog.wordpress.com/2021/07/06/kate-brandt-reviews-little-siddhartha-by-william-irwin/)[](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Siddhartha-Sequel-William-Irwin-ebook/dp/B07JBCKP48)
**Comparison**: *Nagendra* leans into a broader, more intense exploration of human passions and Indian spiritual traditions, including martial arts and Tantra, making it a more eclectic and dramatic sequel. *Little Siddhartha* stays closer to Hesse’s original focus on Buddhist philosophy and spiritual introspection, emphasizing personal and familial reconciliation. While *Nagendra* shocks with its intensity, *Little Siddhartha* soothes with its reflective, universal themes.
### 3. **Stylistic Approach**
- **Nagendra**: Meredith’s prose is described as having a “deep rhythm of a classic fable” while incorporating a modern, cinematic quality. It blends Hesse’s gentle poetic style with a frank engagement with human passions, resulting in a narrative that is both familiar and fresh. Reviewers praise its immersive plot, vivid imagery, and ability to evoke Hesse’s world while avoiding the pitfalls of fan-fiction or stale homage. The inclusion of martial arts and Indian epics adds a layer of cultural depth and action-driven storytelling.[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith/dp/1517048141)[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith-ebook/dp/B014LOTALK)
- **Little Siddhartha**: Irwin’s writing is noted for its “beautifully mystical prose” and its ability to capture the spiritual hunger of Hesse’s original. The style is lyrical and introspective, with a focus on philosophical insights presented through a compelling story. Reviewers highlight its accessibility and its ability to resonate with readers through universal themes, making it a “worthy successor” to Hesse’s work. The narrative is less action-driven and more contemplative, with the river serving as a poetic and spiritual anchor.[](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Siddhartha-Sequel-William-Irwin/dp/1947067486)[](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-siddhartha-william-irwin/1129700775)
**Comparison**: *Nagendra* adopts a more dynamic and cinematic style, blending traditional fable-like rhythms with modern storytelling techniques, appealing to readers who enjoy action and intensity. *Little Siddhartha* maintains a lyrical, reflective tone, staying closer to Hesse’s original style and appealing to those who value philosophical depth and emotional resonance.
### 4. **Cultural and Philosophical Context**
- **Nagendra**: The novel deeply engages with Indian cultural traditions, particularly martial arts, Tantra, and Yoga, alongside references to epic legends. This grounding in Indian spirituality and mythology gives it a robust cultural texture, appealing to readers interested in Eastern philosophy and its more dynamic, less ascetic expressions. Meredith’s background as a scholar of martial arts and Eastern philosophy is evident, adding authenticity to the narrative’s exploration of power and transcendence.[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith/dp/1517048141)
- **Little Siddhartha**: Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, the novel focuses on themes of anatman, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path, presented in a way that is accessible to a general audience. It emphasizes the universal quest for enlightenment and the role of nature (the river) and family in that journey. Irwin’s expertise as a philosophy professor shapes the narrative, making it a thoughtful extension of Hesse’s exploration of Buddhist principles.[](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Siddhartha-Sequel-William-Irwin/dp/1947067486)[](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Siddhartha-Sequel-William-Irwin-ebook/dp/B07JBCKP48)
**Comparison**: *Nagendra* draws on a wider range of Indian spiritual and cultural traditions, including martial and Tantric elements, making it more eclectic and action-oriented. *Little Siddhartha* is more narrowly focused on Buddhist philosophy, offering a contemplative, introspective continuation of Hesse’s themes.
### 5. **Reception and Impact**
- **Nagendra**: Reviewers praise *Nagendra* for its compelling narrative, vivid imagery, and ability to capture the spirit of Hesse’s work while introducing a modern, cinematic flair. It is lauded as a “profoundly entertaining” sequel that resonates with readers through its exploration of passion and spirituality. Some highlight its love story as a standout feature, comparing it to the intense, vivid relationships in classic literature. Its engagement with Indian martial arts and mythology is seen as a unique contribution, though it may appeal more to readers comfortable with intense, sometimes violent themes.[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith/dp/1517048141)[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith-ebook/dp/B014LOTALK)
- **Little Siddhartha**: The novel is celebrated for its philosophical depth and fidelity to Hesse’s original themes, with reviewers calling it a “delightful” and “worthy successor” that enhances the spiritual and existential questions of the original. It is praised for its accessibility, mystical prose, and ability to evoke a sense of universal connection, though some note that its focus on Buddhist philosophy may feel less innovative compared to Hesse’s groundbreaking original.[](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Siddhartha-Sequel-William-Irwin/dp/1947067486)[](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-siddhartha-william-irwin/1129700775)[](https://www.kings.edu/news/irwin)
**Comparison**: *Nagendra* is appreciated for its bold, modern take and cultural richness, appealing to readers who enjoy a mix of action, mythology, and spirituality. *Little Siddhartha* is valued for its philosophical fidelity and emotional resonance, appealing to those who seek a meditative, introspective continuation of Hesse’s work.
### 6. **Relationship to Hesse’s *Siddhartha***
- **Nagendra**: While inspired by Hesse’s *Siddhartha*, Meredith’s sequel diverges by focusing on a son who rejects his father’s spiritual path for a quest for power, incorporating martial arts and Tantric elements not present in the original. It maintains a stylistic affinity to Hesse but expands the narrative into more action-driven and passionate territory, making it a distinct reinterpretation rather than a direct continuation.[](https://www.amazon.com/Nagendra-S-Meredith/dp/1517048141)
- **Little Siddhartha**: Irwin’s sequel closely mirrors Hesse’s original in tone and theme, focusing on the cyclical nature of rebellion and reconciliation across generations. By featuring Rahula and his son, it extends the original’s exploration of spiritual quests and family dynamics, staying true to the Buddhist framework and the river metaphor. It feels more like a direct continuation, enhancing the philosophical depth of Hesse’s work.[](https://buddhistfictionblog.wordpress.com/2021/07/06/kate-brandt-reviews-little-siddhartha-by-william-irwin/)[](https://www.kings.edu/news/irwin)
**Comparison**: *Nagendra* takes a bolder, more divergent approach, expanding Hesse’s world with new cultural and thematic elements. *Little Siddhartha* remains closer to the original’s spirit, serving as a more traditional sequel that deepens its philosophical and spiritual themes.
### Conclusion
Scott Meredith’s Nagendra* and *William Irwin’s Little Siddhartha* both offer compelling sequels to Hesse’s *Siddhartha*, but they cater to different sensibilities. *Nagendra* is a dynamic, intense, and culturally rich exploration of power, passion, and transcendence, appealing to readers who enjoy action, Indian mythology, and a modern twist on Hesse’s world. *Little Siddhartha* is a reflective, philosophical continuation that emphasizes Buddhist principles, family, and universal wisdom, appealing to those who cherish Hesse’s lyrical and introspective style. Ultimately, *Nagendra* shocks and excites with its boldness, while *Little Siddhartha* comforts and inspires with its fidelity to the original’s spiritual core. Choosing between them depends on whether one prefers a vibrant, action-driven narrative or a contemplative, philosophical journey.
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