A story with so many layers nested between each other that a single read will not suffice. At its core, it's a story about life. The central meaning focuses on overcoming the difficulties that existence might bring for each of us as a self-help book from the 1920's might have. This mindset can be cultivated through the 2 simple methods of: having (and understanding) humor and being less critical of the things we don't understand.

The story is presented at times very darkly through the writings of a depressive 50 year-old and at times very pleasantly through a psychedelic trip the same "Steppenwolf" is exposed to. The latter is the culmination of his character development throughout the book which is done by allowing him to experience living the exact opposite of what his comfort zone included.

The book is filled with philosophical questions and comments on art, politics, economics, psychology and the subtle bridges connecting all these as well as our prejudices. Although oftentimes very dense, I enjoyed the food-for-thought it offered and would recommend it to adults who understand that "misery loves company". Although it may seem a dark view on things, it's actually a novel about the light at the end of the tunnel.