Demian

This book is an enchanting piece of work . Crafted like an autobiography , it's an introduction to a new philosophy of life , just like Ayn Rand,s works - quite original whether one agrees with it totally or not . This book takes us thru the journey of protagonist Sinclair through his childhood to youth ; led by a compelling desire to identify and live by the calling of his true inner self . He questions existing ethos, ideals, way of life , even Gods - and finds as though by destiny the guides who reaffirm his views and lead him to his destiny . Demian is one of the guides who Sinclair feels irresistible attracted to from the time they first met in school , till the end when they both merge into each other and symbolically become one. Author contests several of the strongly held views of early 19th century society in Europe . Religion is a constant theme throughout and it's dealt with rather beautifully . Christianity is not condemned out rightly nor is any other religion or cult . There is unlimited freedom to choose what one wants to be , what one wants to think and do ; only right thing being true to oneself and ones innermost urges. Morals, guilt, sin, sex all those things that caused conflict have been dealt with single minded belief in the fact that one must question the myths , one must follow what his destiny directs him to without a care if it's right or wrong . Aithor suggests that collective unconscious - all the knowledge that exists in this world is within each one of us . The whole world that we see outside , with it's beauty and ugliness is inside us . The world , mankind , all the living creatures are in constant state of evolution and change and evolution is the only constant . Human beings in their ignorance live in happy pasts and want to preserve the status quo at any cost . They are afraid of change , afraid of looking inwards and finding their true calling . That's because each one of us has a unique destiny to fulfill and if one was to choose that he has to do it alone . That goes against the feeling of security the society and community provides , which lures men to give up their destinies and join the herd . There are a few , those who feel compelled to find the purpose of life . These people do not resist new ideas , change but just submit themselves to the destiny and become the instruments of fate . These are the people through which change is carried forwards , like baby in the wombs of fertile mother . Author has used a lot of symbolism throughout the story . Damien , the lifelong guide of protagonist is ageless , constant and self assured - just like the eternal truth . Young boy Sinclair feels torn between the two world one of which is the all good family and another dark world where all the evils like theft, alcohol , murder , sex took place . He constantly flits back and forth into these symbolic worlds, trying to find his anchoring . At every tough turn when life seems to come crashing down he finds a person , a dream , a symbol that opens a new vista in front of him and leads him . Hero also swings between the extremes of love - desire for flesh vs pure spiritual love . He fall in love with an image that combines his mother and his guide Demian ; man and woman ; good and evil . And then quite symbolically that image turns out to be that of Demian.s mother. No love is forbidden if that's what is one,s innermost feeling dictates . Keeping with the mores of 19th century society everything is made symbolical but it's evident that author delves into bisexuality , incest and Oedipal complex. So why is the book named Demian ? Who is he ? Demian is the inner voice of every man . The inner voice that finds us at every difficult step and guides us to our unique destiny . Sinclair found Demian and they merged into each other symbolically as well - when Sinclaire went inside himself and looked into the dark mirror of his soul and Saw the image of Demian . The setting of this book precedes world war 1 . As the war starts people submit themselves to their destiny and fight . Author has a very interesting view about war itself . War is symbolised as an instrument of change , something predestined and essential . The recurring symbol of bird hatching from egg and destroying the egg in the process is used to convey the message that for something new to be born the old must be destroyed . Early 19 century Europe was home to many new ideologies like those of Tolstoy and Neitszke . Herman Hesse had his own and it is quite appealing .

Absolutely beautiful story about religious trauma, breaking out of the shell that is the sheltered world of childhood, finding love and acceptance, friendship and sexuality, and overall navigating the road that leads you back to yourself. Such an important book, especially if you’re going through a hard time and or trying to understand yourself in relation to the world and the people around you. This was beautifully translated and I personally like the formatting of it. Please read if you haven’t already. Herman Hesse is a revolutionary of his time

I ordered this book a few months ago, because of BTS and I am so glad I did, because it is an amazing book. The book isn't too long, so even those who aren't big fans of reading are able to do so. However, there are some big words within the book that you may have to Google the definition of. The book is relatively cheap, so it's a good buy. The story line of this book keeps you wondering and keeps you wanting to read more. The book takes place in Germany, around the first half of the 1900s. The story follows a boy named Sinclair who starts off as a smart, innocent little kid, and it basically follows him throughout his life. It includes him falling into temptation and falling away from tranquility and sameness. It begins as he is caught in a lie, that's where his life kind of flips upside down. If you listen to BTS, you will notice a lot of little references within the book that correspond to the WINGS short films. This makes the book that much more interesting because you try to connect each chapter and its details with the little things that some may overlook in the WINGS videos. It's also easier to understand the fan theories if you read this book. If you have never listened to BTS or don't know who that is, this is still a good book for you. It keeps you guessing. I'm usually the person who can figure out the ending of a book/movie before it ends; Not this book. This is one of those books that gets you thinking about yourself and about life. So I would 10/10 recommend you to read this book.

Very thought provoking. Such a good read.

I found the writing beautiful as Hesse is a talented communicator. I was not impressed with some if his overall conclusions and felt the influence of Mann and Jung was merely repeated in his apparently personal story of maturing and deciding how to prioritize life, thoughts and ambitions.

One of the most brilliant books I've ever read, should honestly be required reading. This cover is my favorite I've seen and the print is good.

Like said in the head-line, it's just a central topic of the story. It starts off slow in the beginning since it's a retelling perspective as when he was younger, to when Sinclair is then older. As much as how many times I need to say it, you have to keep reading towards the end. Personally, the ending kinda made up for the beginning but it was overall, a great read. I would re-read again.

I read this book when I was 16 or 17 and I thought it was The Greatest. So I ended up reading almost all of Hesse. But now that I am old; I just did not like it much. It was too poetic, too dreamy and too esoteric. I guess I could say too spiritual without (for me) a good basis. To be fair, these days a lot depends on how I am feeling whether I like something or not. But I was speedreading towards the end (which means for me...skipping a lot). I never did like Steppenwolf and this book reminds me of that now. I think I will try Narcissus and Goldmund again. And I hope with better results for me.

Le livre est anglais (ce que je souhaitais) et la couverture est jolie. Je n'ai rien à dire de plus.

Adoro Herman Hesse

Hermann Hesse's books are subtle and riveting. When you penetrate into this genius' writing world, you will never forget it. Because Hesse's world leaves its prints on your soul. You cannot help to question life and its many different paths offered to each one of us, human being. Great writer. Siddhartha is an unforgettable little jewel. Books that you will cherish forever and read over and over. Thank you Mr Hesse for your imprint of my heart and soul. Clo

El libro está en perfectas condiciones. Tiene buen tamaño, la imprenta es muy buena y es mas grande de lo que parece. Super recomendado, excelente relación calidad /precio.