Narziss and Goldmund

An intelligent and insightful work by Hesse. The story revolves around two men, one quiet and content with his religious/monastic life; one in search of the world outside the cloister. It is a book about the human psyche: dark and light, unholy and holy. It is probably best explained as Hesse describing our inner worlds. I don't necessarily agree with all he wrote, but it is well worth the time to read. I can't comment on the translation, but it flows well for me in English.