Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
27(27%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
36(36%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Hermann Hesse's work is a masterpiece, as beautifully constructed sentences and exquisite prose vividly display his genius.

This coming-of-age story, although with distinct homosexual overtones, is well-structured. As I mentioned earlier, the prose is truly exquisite. It kind of reminds one of E. M. Forster's novel Maurice, yet it is not completely direct.

The lead character then falls in love with his mate's mother. If one can look beyond all the sexual overtones, there are certain passages that will deeply touch one's soul. Some of these passages are written with such luminosity that I had to read them three or four times just to let the sweetness and pellucidly brilliant words linger in my mind for a while.

Some of the passages are like a mouthful of precious jewels. It is a short read. I finished it in just under four hours, but I will definitely recommend this book to my friends.

It is a work that combines a captivating story with outstanding literary artistry, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
July 15,2025
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I didn't like it. I preferred Siddhartha. Demian is too pretentious. It seems that Sinclair is in love with Demian throughout his life and doesn't accept himself.

There are interesting passages, of course, but I didn't like it. The story of Demian is full of complex psychological descriptions and symbolic meanings. However, for me, it lacks the simplicity and authenticity that Siddhartha has.

In Demian, Sinclair's dependence on Demian and his search for self-identity come across as forced and artificial. The characters seem to be more like symbols than real people.

On the other hand, Siddhartha tells a more profound and moving story about a man's journey to find enlightenment and inner peace. The characters in Siddhartha are more relatable and the story is more engaging.

Overall, while Demian has its merits, it didn't resonate with me as much as Siddhartha did.
July 15,2025
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When it comes to evaluating these two works, I cannot consider them as one. I give 3.0 to Demian and 3.5 to Siddhartha. There is no doubt about the natural narrative style of Hesse. The strength of Demian does not lie in a good story, but in the familiarity it creates when read by an individual who is going through something similar, such as adolescence. This is something that the book achieves without any problem. Adolescence and longing.


Regarding Siddhartha, I have very little to say. It is an adventure between mysticism and libertinism. I think the intention is to create a contrast, simultaneously showing how difficult it can be to get out of spiritual decadence and how easy it is to return to it. Abolishing asceticism with pleasure, and in the end, not being rewarded by either of the two.


In conclusion, both Demian and Siddhartha have their own characteristics and values, but they also have some不足之处. However, they are still important works in the history of literature and deserve our attention and study.

July 15,2025
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Demian is a bit heavy to read, a delight and a small disappointment.

I deeply loved the moments of reflection, the philosophy, the characters... I love to see their evolution, but already in the last two chapters I felt that everything was going downhill to a blatant NOTHING.

For me, the main idea was lost in those two chapters and it left me with a: "And that's it?"

If it weren't for the fact that most of the work seems to me a masterpiece, I would give it fewer stars.

Demian is a complex and thought-provoking novel. It explores profound themes such as self-discovery, identity, and the search for meaning in life. The early parts of the book are truly captivating, with its beautiful prose and engaging characters. However, as the story progresses towards the end, it seems to lose its focus and direction. The last two chapters feel rushed and somewhat disjointed, leaving the reader with a sense of dissatisfaction.

Despite this flaw, Demian still has many redeeming qualities. The philosophical discussions and insights are profound and can inspire readers to think deeply about their own lives. The characters are well-developed and their struggles and growth are relatable. Overall, Demian is a book that is worth reading, but it may not be the perfect masterpiece that some have made it out to be.
July 15,2025
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I reread Demian after more than five decades.

As a high school student, confined to the spiritual and physical prison of a Yeshiva (seminary) where I resided for four years, Hesse's novel was truly a life-altering experience. It shatters the conformity of the masses, whether it pertains to middle-class values, religion, or nationalism. It was precisely what I required to fling open a window wide and proclaim - there exists an enormous universe out there. Venture forth and savor it as you discover your true self.

The recent reread, however, was somewhat disappointing. The latter third of the story leans heavily on argument and is rather light on plot. Additionally, it presents a vision that, while liberating and challenging the status quo, is extremely individualistic, apolitical, and somewhat distant from the sense of beautiful connective energy that courses through "creation" and was so vividly illuminated by substances like LSD.

Upon reading about Hesse's life, it was disheartening to learn that he had, to a certain extent, abandoned his children and forged a new life for himself with his last wife. Nevertheless, this book will forever hold a fundamental place in my "personal library."

I truly believe that Narcissus and Goldman or Steppenwolf would have been more suitable stories for the book group to read and explore most of the same themes.
July 15,2025
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No one I've read delves into our inner selves the way Hesse does. His works are an absolute delight to read. In his writing, profound sequences abound, captivating the reader's mind and soul. I really enjoyed reading about the initial terror that our protagonist faces during his childhood. It was frighteningly relatable, as it brought back memories of our own fears and insecurities. Yet, at the same time, there was a glimmer of hope, a sense that things would get better.

This is only for Demian, btw. Hesse's exploration of the human psyche in this novel is truly remarkable. He peels back the layers of our being, revealing the hidden desires, the conflicts within, and the search for meaning. Demian is not just a story; it is a journey of self-discovery that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

July 15,2025
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Demian by Hermann Hesse has become one of my favorite books. Perhaps it is one of the books that has marked my adolescence until now.

I learned about this book because I like a Korean band called BTS. I was interested in them due to the themes they deal with in their songs, and basically their entire discography is based on this book.

I think it is a book that talks about self-discovery. In this case, Sinclair, our protagonist, is on a journey of self-exploration. On the other hand, we have Demian, who is a great character. Maybe he creates more doubts in Sinclair about his true identity than Sinclair already has.

The relationship between Sinclair and Demian is complex and充满了启示. As Sinclair interacts with Demian, he begins to question his beliefs and values, and gradually discovers a new side of himself.

Demian is not just a mentor to Sinclair; he is also a catalyst for Sinclair's growth and transformation. Through their conversations and experiences together, Sinclair learns to trust his instincts and follow his own path.

This book has had a profound impact on me, and I continue to be inspired by its themes and messages. It reminds me that self-discovery is a lifelong journey, and that we should always be open to new experiences and ideas.
July 15,2025
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Una excelente lectura para toda mente introvertida!

Es una maravillosa exploración del viaje introspectivo que vivimos todas las personas durante nuestro 'coming of age'.

Si amas la introspección, este libro es como una llave que va a penetrar en las profundidades de tu mente.

Te llevará a descubrir aspectos de ti mismo que quizás nunca antes habías dado cuenta.

La forma en que el autor presenta las ideas y las historias es realmente cautivadora.

Te hará reflexionar sobre tus propios valores, creencias y experiencias.

Además, el libro está lleno de ejemplos prácticos y consejos útiles.

10/10!!! Sin duda alguna, es un libro que no debe perderse.

July 15,2025
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Impresionante.

The journey through Sinclair's life accompanied by the strange Max Demian is an intimate, seductive, and highly sensorial narrative.

The obsession of Sinclair with Demian, filled with all kinds of double meanings and passion, is terribly attractive (almost as much as the young man himself).

It is one of the best books I have read this year.

The story unfolds in a captivating way, drawing the reader into Sinclair's inner world and his complex relationship with Demian.

The descriptions are vivid and detailed, making it easy to imagine the scenes and the emotions of the characters.

The themes explored, such as identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning, are universal and thought-provoking.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
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This was a fever dream, a strange and wild journey of the mind.

It was as if I had been transported to another realm, a place filled with vivid colors and distorted shapes.

The events that unfolded were like a chaotic symphony, with each note adding to the intensity of the experience.

But despite the confusion and the turmoil, the ending was truly great.

It was like a sudden burst of sunlight through the clouds, bringing a sense of clarity and resolution.

And the writing, oh the writing! It was simply gorgeous.

The words seemed to dance on the page, painting a picture that was both beautiful and haunting.

It was a dream that I will never forget, a journey that took me to the very depths of my imagination and back again.
July 15,2025
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This book has truly been a remarkable discovery for me.

It has had a profound impact, helping me to see beyond the immediate and grasp the bigger picture of life.

Not only that, but it has also bestowed upon me a great deal of hope and a sense of peace that I have not felt in a long time.

I find myself completely enamored with every single aspect of this book.

The metaphors used are simply brilliant, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

The language is so eloquent and engaging that it draws me in from the very first page.

And the story itself is captivating, filled with twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat.

It is amazingly beautiful, a literary masterpiece that I know I will be rereading for years to come.

Each time I pick it up, I am sure to discover something new and gain a deeper understanding of its profound wisdom.

This book is truly a treasure, and I am so grateful to have found it.
July 15,2025
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This work wears profundity on its sleeve, yet it is still well worth a slow and careful read.

Every word within it seems to be an inherent truth upon reflection. However, the act of reading crystallizes the message in a unique way. Ironically, it becomes difficult to convey this message to others without them also experiencing the read for themselves.

The world would undoubtedly be a better place if everyone made an effort to read and truly comprehend this book.

EDIT: I have not read the Spanish version, but I presume that the review for it is a thousand times more profound. This book has the potential to open minds, expand perspectives, and offer valuable insights that can have a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. It is a literary gem that should not be overlooked.
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