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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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In this volume, two novels by Hermann Hesse are presented: "Demian" and "Siddhartha".

In "Demian", a child and later an adolescent lives in a loving family, full of rules and duties. However, soon he rebels internally against the established order.

In "Siddhartha", a young Siddhartha embarks on a journey through India to seek the Buddha.

Although one story is set in the West and the other in the East, they share a common point: self-discovery. Both characters face situations that change their perspective on life and also have masters who guide them.

Both stories left me with reflections and teachings. I love Hermann Hesse's clear style. I hope to reread his other books.

These two novels offer a deep exploration of the human psyche and the search for meaning in life. They show how individuals can grow and transform through their experiences and the guidance of others. Hesse's writing is both beautiful and thought-provoking, making these books a must-read for anyone interested in literature and self-discovery.

I highly recommend this volume to anyone looking for a captivating and inspiring read. It will surely leave you with a new understanding of yourself and the world around you.
July 15,2025
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I read this in the late Summer of 2006. At that time, a lot was happening in my life.

This parable really got into my mind and compelled me to view things from a different perspective.

The metaphor of the river was especially powerful. It's not hard to understand why this became such a big hit when it was "rediscovered" by the counter-cultural movement in the 1960s in the US.

Although I'm not exactly a counter-cultural revolutionary, I truly appreciated Hesse's approach to this timeless story about the journey of self-discovery and the path to wisdom.

Hesse's words seemed to resonate with me on a deep level, making me reflect on my own life and the choices I was making.

The parable served as a reminder that sometimes, we need to step back and look at the bigger picture in order to gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

It made me realize that the journey of self-discovery is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

Overall, reading this parable had a profound impact on me and continues to influence my thinking to this day.
July 15,2025
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Goty.

I really like the twists and turns it has and the way Sinclair expresses what he feels all the time. The ending is great and the part about the musician too. It's a story that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and you can really feel their emotions. The plot is full of surprises and you never know what's going to happen next. The writing style is engaging and easy to follow. Overall, it's a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story.
July 15,2025
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The Worst Book I Have Ever Read

Long story short: "Fiasco"

"Fiasco" is undoubtedly the worst book I have ever had the misfortune to read. From the very first page, it fails to engage the reader. The plot is convoluted and makes little sense, jumping from one random event to another without any clear direction or purpose. The characters are one-dimensional and lack any depth or development. I found it impossible to empathize with them or care about what happened to them. The writing style is also extremely poor, with awkward sentence structures and a lack of proper grammar and punctuation. It was a struggle to get through each page, and I often found myself skimming over large sections just to get to the end. Overall, "Fiasco" is a complete waste of time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
July 15,2025
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I really enjoyed reading this book.

It has that philosophical touch that I love. Sinclair is a character who, from childhood, has a very peculiar perspective on life.

The author manages to make one feel everything through his eyes, letting us enter his world of darkness and light, and see how his mind and life perspectives progress as he grows and meets Demian (I'm sure Sinclair was in love with him KSJSKSJS).

The book takes you on a complete experience and touches on very deep themes.

It's one of those readings that you wish would never end.

And when it does, it leaves you with a void and a completely different view of life.

Overall, it's a remarkable piece of literature that offers both entertainment and profound insights into the human condition.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking books.
July 15,2025
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We're all on a journey.

While our stories may rhyme in some aspects, they're all distinct, and we all learn to evolve into different people at various times.

One thing we all come to understand, however, is that the world isn't flawless, and others won't always be present to rescue you from a difficult situation.



When I initially began reading Demian, this was a reality that I had never thoroughly considered before.

I was aware that the world wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, but I always simply assumed that if I was truly in trouble, everything would work out fine in the end, as a kind-hearted person would always come to my assistance at the eleventh hour.

Once again, I had never deeply thought about this mindset before.

Due to this, Demian was a bit uncomfortable to read initially.

Sinclair, the main character of the story, had the same mindset as I did, and was learning a lesson that I hadn't yet been exposed to.

By the conclusion, it was as if he had learned the lesson on my behalf.



Hesse does a remarkable job of raising questions about ourselves that might not have previously entered our minds, such as "why do we exist," and "who are we, really?"

Sinclair is unlikable and immature at first, but that's the fascinating part: he was intended to be that way.

The purpose of depicting him as naive initially was to better展示 his growth over time into a self-reliant individual, and this ties back to my point that we are all on a journey.

Sinclair is on his, and likewise, we are on ours.

Hesse does an outstanding job at highlighting this simple yet crucial truth.



At the end of the day, this novel can teach numerous things; that much is evident.

I will never forget my experience of reading the final few sentences of the book, and I encourage everyone to read Demian and have the same感受.

July 15,2025
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**"The Youth History of Emil Sinclair: Boy Meets Evil"**

Demian tells the story of Emil Sinclair's transition from childhood to adulthood. It all begins with an incident that distresses Emil and marks the loss of his innocence. It is then that he meets Max Demian, the character who gives the book its name, and who becomes his guide and companion in questioning the imposed and in personal introspection. During this time, we see the internal struggle that Emil presents regarding the "light" or good and the "darkness" representing evil, forming part of the duality of the human being.



Although the story is entertaining, the book uses certain philosophical resources, so at certain moments it can be dense. In addition, it caught my attention that in the story some of the archetypes developed by Carl Jung can be seen.



I liked that the author addressed themes regarding youth and the search for a path. I don't think there is a specific age to read it. I feel that it can be read at various times in life and the meaning can change. However, I would have liked to read it much earlier. I want to read it again because probably I missed several things. If you ever read it, talk to me to discuss it!



Finally, to be honest, I started reading this book because of BTS, since their album WINGS is inspired by the novel. So if you liked this book and want to complement it, I 100% recommend checking out the album.



Bonus mini spoiler: Was Max Demian real?

July 15,2025
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I was deeply touched by it.

It was an experience that left an indelible mark on my heart.

I still remember the moment when it happened as if it were yesterday.

The emotions that surged through me were overwhelming.

I felt a connection that I had never felt before.

It was like a light shining in the darkness, guiding me and giving me hope.

The way it made me feel was truly special.

It made me realize the power of human kindness and the importance of珍惜 those around us.

From that day on, I have tried to be more aware of the needs of others and to show kindness whenever I can.

This experience has changed me for the better, and I will always be grateful for it.

It will stay with me forever as a reminder of the beauty and goodness that exists in the world.

July 15,2025
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I thought this book was truly wonderful.

It takes you on an exciting journey of discovery, not only for the character but also for yourself. As you learn about the character, you gain a deeper understanding of life and the world around you.

You start to see things from different perspectives and realize that there is so much more to life than what meets the eye.

The book makes you think and reflect on your own experiences and beliefs, and in doing so, you learn more about yourself.

It's a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for life and a desire to explore and learn more about the world and yourself.
July 15,2025
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Fabulous book!

It is truly a remarkable piece of literature that is filled to the brim with a lifetime of wisdom.

Despite its relatively short length, it has the power to engage and inspire readers for a lifetime.

Each page is like a precious gem, offering profound insights and valuable lessons that can be applied to various aspects of life.

The author's ability to condense such vast knowledge and experience into a concise volume is truly impressive.

Whether you are seeking guidance in your personal or professional life, this book has something to offer.

It is a must-read for anyone who is looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

So, pick up this book and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

You will not be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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The writer, from what I read, truly I believe achieved a good work. I liked the touches of mystery and the slight magical things or at least for me they gave that idea.

He described very well his main idea of what it is to find oneself or as he says, our destiny, what it is that we have to do in this world.

The story seems to take the reader on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. The elements of mystery and magic add an extra layer of intrigue and make the reader want to know more.

It makes one think about their own life and what their purpose might be. Overall, it was an interesting and engaging read that left a lasting impression on me.
July 15,2025
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A thoughtful and thought-provoking self-exploration journey unfolds, along with the coming-of-age story of Sinclair. Guided by his mysterious friend Max Demian, Sinclair delves deep within himself, accepting both the good and evil within. He walks towards his destiny, prompted by the inner voice that Demian helps him discover.



This story is all about the search for one's true self. By looking into the heart, Sinclair sees his dreams and desires, without distinguishing them as good or bad, right or wrong. Instead, he pursues his true destiny, unencumbered by the constraints of conventional morality.



Readers can follow Sinclair's journey from a third perspective, or extract the messages hidden between the lines and reflect on their own perspectives. However, due to my own philosophical and knowledge limitations, I struggled to fully understand the final few pages. The relationship between the global situation and the inner journey seemed complex and perhaps beyond my current comprehension.



Nevertheless, this is definitely an interesting read that challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and values, and to embark on their own self-discovery journey.

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