I read Siddhartha several years ago and was truly enamored with it. The story, the characters, and the profound themes it explored left a lasting impression on me. Just recently, I picked up Demian and found it to be just okay. I realize that everything is often a matter of time and place. As I have grown older, however, Hermann Hesse's mysticism and his search for philosophical meaning no longer resonate with me as strongly as they once did.
Perhaps it is because my own life experiences have changed, or maybe my perspective has shifted. Whatever the reason, I still appreciate Hesse's works for their beauty and depth. But now, I find myself drawn to other authors and other styles of writing that speak more directly to my current state of mind.
Nonetheless, I will always remember the impact that Siddhartha had on me and the way it made me think about life, love, and the search for meaning. It will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the great works of literature that I have had the pleasure of reading.