I don't feel that this book was for me. It seemed too abstract and philosophical to me.

Although I liked the author's idea and what he tries to reflect, I think the execution is horrible. I didn't like the examples he uses to illustrate things, much less the metaphors. The religious weight also disgusted me. That fanaticism seems absurd to me and although I understand that it is characteristic of the time and that it is something that Hesse puts in intentionally, it shocks me quite a bit.

I also didn't like how symbolic everything is in this book and even less the contrived nature of the comparisons. In short, definitely it wasn't for me. The only thing I liked about the story, if you can even call it that, is the fact of questioning and giving another perspective to the theme of Cain and Abel, both of what happened between them and of the supposed "mark". Sincerely, I think it was the only great comparison, but equally I do not recommend it.

PERSONAL OPINION, NOT ABSOLUTE TRUTH

The book Demian by Hermann Hesse is relatively easy to read, featuring a simple structure. The story is engaging and delves into multiple philosophical concepts about life, including love. When Sinclair fell in love with Frau Eva, it wasn't a conscious choice; it simply occurred. This shows that we shouldn't anticipate falling in love as it can unexpectedly knock on our door. Despite Frau Eva being much older than Sinclair and his friend Demian's mother, he didn't care and was overjoyed whenever he saw her. Each time he laid eyes on her, his heart would race. In class, we had different views on this. Some thought it was strange, while others believed it was acceptable since it wasn't his choice.

In my opinion, falling in love with someone almost the age of your mother seems odd. As I read this book, I asked myself: what did Sinclair see in Frau Eva that made him fall for her? She had no resemblance to him in any aspect. Usually, when someone falls in love, it's because something catches their attention. However, in Sinclair's case, he knew he was falling in love with her from the very first sight.

Another interesting aspect I noticed was the chapter titles. Most of them were based on biblical allusions, such as "Cain" and "Among Thieves". They were related as the stories had some connection and similar ideas. Even the chapter "Eva" alluded to Adam and Eve, with Eva representing Eve.

Demian is an extremely peculiar yet captivating read.

The way it delineates the protagonist, Sinclair, as he undergoes the process of coming of age is truly unprecedented in my reading experience.

Although the narrative might seem rather eccentric at times, the underlying purpose of the story is both astonishing and comprehensible.

The tale commences with a child, Sinclair, who is distinct from the majority. However, he encounters a significant figure, Demian, who is similar to him.

Demian is someone Sinclair looks up to, and he leads Sinclair through the arduous times at the beginning of his life.

During their conversations, Demian and Sinclair frequently allude to the Bible, but they discuss it in an interpretation that is ostensibly forbidden.

This establishes the foundation of the book, as throughout the story, they allude to the story of Cain and Abel, which showcases the journey of a Cain descendant, Sinclair.

You will discover that Sinclair's most difficult moments occur when he is separated from Demian, yet this is also the most fascinating part to read.

In Demian, Sinclair experiences various phases of life where he hits rock bottom, but somehow, he manages to find his way.

This is the beauty of the story, as it reveals the significance and importance of every individual, regardless of who they are or how they arrive at their destination.

In a nutshell, Demian is about the uniqueness of everyone. Sinclair embodies this as he is an outcast.

I commend Hermann Hesse for his outstanding work in demonstrating to us that every human being holds importance.

Although he may have incorporated some elements that are a bit on the R-rated side, the points he makes are truly eye-opening.

Despite the fact that there might be some disturbing aspects that we don't typically encounter in our daily reading, overall, it is an absolute must-read.

I'm going to read the English translated one, but it seems that "gr" doesn't have the copy here.

This situation can be a bit inconvenient. Maybe there was a miscommunication or an oversight. It would be great if we could figure out where the copy is supposed to be and get it sorted out.

In the meantime, I could try to find an alternative source or see if someone else has a copy that they can share with me.

Reading the English translated version is important for my understanding and progress. I hope that we can resolve this issue quickly and smoothly so that I can continue with my reading without any further delays.

Book Reviews

Emil Sinclair's story begins when he is ten years old. His childhood is divided between two worlds.

The first is a fair world, filled with serenity, love, and respect for the Bible, all happening in the sunlight. The second, not far from the first, is a world of illusion, without God, lacking respect for others and rules.

Sinclair's life is disrupted by Frank Kromer, whose family has a bad reputation. Sinclair steals a bag of apples, and Kromer uses this to blackmail him, causing Sinclair to cross into the dark world.

He then meets Max Demian, and they share an interest in Cain and Abel. Demian has his own views on the story, which Sinclair initially finds nonsense but later tries to understand.

Demian realizes there is a problem between Sinclair and Kromer and resolves it. Sinclair's mind is bombarded with dilemmas about Cain and Abel, and he consults his father but remains unsatisfied.

The ice between Sinclair and Demian melts after a lesson on Cain and Abel, where their teacher encourages them to have their own interpretations. Max believes the thief close to the cross of Christ didn't ask for forgiveness and that the second thief is a descendant of Cain, and it's wrong to divide good from evil.

The darker world seems stronger to Max, but for Sinclair, self-realization has begun. The second step is Beatrice, a real girl who attracts Sinclair so much that he tries to depict her on a canvas.

He starts painting Beatrice and eventually recognizes himself in her. Sinclair finds a piece of paper with a phrase he doesn't understand, and later a teacher explains the existence of Abraxas, a divinity where good and evil are not separated.

Sinclair meets Pistorius, the organist of the local church, and they become friends, both seeking Abraxas. The friendship with Pistorius is crucial for Sinclair's self-realization.

He finishes painting his dream-mistress and is astonished to find that Demian's mother resembles the female subject of his painting. Sinclair's daily life is dull, and he finds comfort in Nietzsche's writing.

He meets Mother Eve, Max Demian's mother, and she tells him that love attracts. Sinclair's mind is filled with thoughts of her, but when someone comes to the door, it's Demian, who tells him about an armed conflict and that he will join the war as a lieutenant.

Sinclair thinks the war is an integral part of humanity, and for him, life is painful.

Philosophical Review

In my opinion, in Demian, there is only one character, Emil Sinclair. In his company, we meet Frank Kromer, a bully and profiteer, representing his violent side. Then there is Beatrice, his feminine side, Mother Eve, his passion's side, and Max Demian, his wisdom's side.

At the end of the novel, Emil Sinclair is a mature person who, after a bumpy path, has achieved self-realization. Self-realization means having solid bases thanks to past experiences in the two worlds, being mature enough to recognize one's evil side, and being able to make wise decisions.

Once we know who we really are, we can decide whether to do harm or good, and no one can influence our decisions, either consciously or unconsciously.

Literary Criticism

The plot of Demian is based on the youth of Emil Sinclair, with self-realization as his main target. In his long and winding path, Sinclair lives in two worlds, the world of light and the world of illusion.

Emil Sinclair is the main character, attracted to the world of illusions, wanting to be responsible and autonomous, and abhorring a sheep-like life. To achieve self-realization, a difficult path, he must encounter various characters.

The mother and husband live without doubts in the world of light. Franz Kromer is a bully whose family lives in the world of illusions and is central to the introduction of Max Demian.

Max Demian is Sinclair's mentor, helping him towards self-realization and having something magical about him. Alfons Beck is a minor mentor, introducing Sinclair to the world of alcoholism.

Pistorious is a rector and organist, also a mentor, and both he and Sinclair believe that good and evil are indivisible, with their God being Abraxas. Mother Eva is Max Demian's mother and has a special place in Emil's heart.

The theme of the novel is self-realization and its obstacles, doubts. Self-realization means total autonomy in behavior and, above all, independent thinking. To achieve this, it is essential to know oneself thoroughly, with the personality formed on the female, violent, and sinful sides, in order to make wise decisions.

A book that helped me a lot!

Recently, I came across a remarkable book that has had a profound impact on my life. It was truly a game-changer. The author's words were so powerful and inspiring that they touched my heart and opened my mind to new possibilities. I found myself completely immersed in the story, learning valuable lessons along the way. Thanks to this book, I have gained a new perspective on many things and have become a better person. I am truly grateful to the author, Juani, for sharing this wonderful piece of work with the world. <3

I have recently read Demian, and I am planning to read Siddhartha very soon. Demian was truly an amazing book.

Hermann Hesse's choice of words to create this masterpiece is simply beautiful. It has the power to keep you completely hooked, turning the pages one after another.

However, I must note that you would probably have to take a break after each chapter and re-read it to ensure that you are fully capturing the magic within the book.

The profound themes and ideas presented in Demian require careful consideration and reflection. It is not a book that can be read in a hurry.

I am really looking forward to reading Siddhartha and experiencing the same level of literary excellence. I have a feeling that it will be just as captivating and thought-provoking as Demian.

I highly recommend both of these books to anyone who loves literature and is interested in exploring the deeper aspects of the human psyche.

Just finished reading Demian. It really left a profound impression on me.

It reminded me vividly of Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima. The two works seem to share some underlying themes and atmospheres that resonate deeply within me.

Demian explores the inner world of the protagonist, his search for identity and meaning in a complex and often confusing society. Similarly, Spring Snow delves into the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters,描绘出 a world of beauty, passion, and tragedy.

After reading Demian, I feel that it is definitely time to pick up Mishima's works again and immerse myself in his unique literary universe. I am eager to rediscover the profound insights and beautiful prose that Mishima has to offer.

I believe that reading his works once more will not only enrich my literary experience but also provide me with new perspectives on life, love, and the human condition.

I initially thought that it was really quite interesting. The beginning had a certain charm that caught my attention and made me eager to continue reading. However, as the text progressed, it gradually became a bit too dense. There was just so much information crammed into each paragraph that it started to feel overwhelming.

As a result, I found myself getting easily distracted whilst reading it. My mind would start to wander, and I would have to re-read certain sections to fully understand what was being said. It was a bit of a struggle to stay focused on the content, which was a shame because I had been so interested in the beginning.

Perhaps if the author had presented the information in a more organized and less dense manner, it would have been easier for me to follow and retain. Nevertheless, I still appreciate the effort that went into writing the piece, and I will try to approach it with a more focused mind next time.

The experience me hizo pensar mas de lo normal pero me gusto. It really made me think more than usual, and yet I liked it.

It was a situation that pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me analyze things from different perspectives.

I found myself delving deeper into my thoughts and feelings, which was both challenging and rewarding.

Although it required more mental effort than I was accustomed to, the end result was a sense of satisfaction and growth.

I realized that sometimes, stepping out of the ordinary and engaging in activities that make us think differently can lead to new discoveries and a broader understanding of the world around us.

This experience has left a lasting impression on me and has inspired me to seek out more opportunities that will stretch my mind and expand my horizons.

I look forward to seeing where this newfound curiosity and willingness to think more deeply will take me in the future.

The Timeless Relevance of Demian

The fact that a book can remain relevant across different eras is what makes it a classic. This is precisely the case with Demian, which astonishingly has a great deal of significance in today's political climate.

When Demian utters the words, "The new world will be terrible for those clinging to the old," it immediately brings to mind those in the Trump camp who advocate for "Making America great again." One can only imagine how terrifying the world must appear to those who long for the old philosophies. The older generation, when confronted with the dreams of the younger generation, often fears that their way of life is under threat. However, Demian describes the "reign of herd instinct, a community born of fear, hatred, and embarrassment" as a "society of men afraid of the unknown inside them."

Those who stubbornly hold onto the old ways are indeed doomed to fade away. But the recurring motif in the book is that nothing can come into being without first experiencing death. Demian tells Sinclair, "The world as it is now wants to die, to perish... and it will." The world that Hesse writes about is pre-WWI Europe, a time when Europe had seemingly "conquered the world, only to lose her own soul."

This book eloquently speaks of the power of dreams and the duality of the world as a catalyst for change. Demian emphasizes that we must be prepared to evolve, to embrace the new while still respecting the old. As we embark on a new chapter in human history, this book can serve as a valuable guide along our journey.

Siddhartha was the very first book by Hesse that I had the pleasure of reading.

I absolutely adored it. His unique way of narrating Buddha's story truly captivated my imagination and made the character of prince Siddhartha seem incredibly close to me.

I simply had to explore another one of Hesse's books, and it just so happened to be The Glass Bead Game. That was a different side of Hesse, much less of a storyteller and more of a philosopher, and even a mystic.

For those who are already familiar with Buddha's life, Siddhartha offers a distinct perspective compared to the traditional Indian stories found in the Pali canon.

And for those who are not familiar with Buddha's life, in my opinion, it is the easiest and quickest read to get acquainted with it.

It is indeed a classic work that adheres to the best traditions of German literature.