A Brief Review of Hermann Hesse's "The Journey to the East" by Chuck Trunks (Trunks Art)

Nampa, Idaho - April 25, 2026 - When I discovered that Hermann Hesse’s The Journey to the East (1932) was written as a follow-up to his famous novel, Steppenwolf (1927), a book I finished reading just last month, I was intrigued, expecting a continuation of the life and times of his despairing alter ego, Harry Haller. Instead, I was introduced to an entirely different kind of tale based on a mythical pilgrimage to find answers to life’s most existential questions. However, I wasn’t disappointed, as Hesse is well known for having established his niche between embracing the gift of life and sensing the absurdity of it all.

While reading The Journey to the East, I was asked innocently enough by a fellow bookworm, “What’s it about, and are you liking it so far?” Honestly, I didn’t know what to tell her. “I have no idea—the jury’s still out on this one,” I replied. Thankfully, the obstinate old mule in me kept me on task, prodding me along to finish reading the book in its entirety. Whether I was reading about a dream remembered by the central character, an older man in his early 60s, or a figment of his imagination, it didn’t matter—the theme was clear: H.H. was after spiritual meaning in a world dominated by busyness and superficiality.

Hesse suggests, at the conclusion of his novella, in a scene reminiscent of a Greek tribunal if it were held in St. Peter’s Basilica, that we achieve true spiritual meaning simply by providing service to others, which is congruent with my philosophy regarding human suffering. Through personal experience, I’ve discovered that we’re all suffering in some way or another. Be it self-inflicted or imposed by misfortune, suffering finds its only solace in relieving the pain of another. So when I see my reading friend again, I plan to tell her, “The verdict is in.” The Journey to the East isn’t a book I’d recommend. Instead, I’ll suggest she start by reading Hesse’s other works: Steppenwolf and Siddhartha (1922).

-Chuck Trunks

“This work was written independently by the author without the use of generative AI.”

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Trunks Art moved from Columbia, South Carolina, to Nampa, Idaho, in 2025 and has made this city his home and writing inspiration.

To see more of my work, please have a look at more posts or email me at chucktrunks@gmail.com. Or, visit my website at www.trunksart.com.  Also, you can find me on Instagram (chucktrunks) and Facebook (Chuck Trunks).