#GermanLitMonth25 Hermann Hesse “Demian”
Finish date: 06.11.2025
Genre: Novella (176 pg)
Rating: A
#GermanLitMonth25 – #ReadingNobels – #NovNov25
Good News: Herman Hesse uses symbols to deepen the themes and character development:
What does the Mark of Cain symbolise?
— representing individuality, the journey toward self-realization = core message of the book!
What is Abraxes?
— Abraxas symbolizes necessity of embracing all aspects of true self-awareness.
What does Lady Eve symbolise?
— she encourages Demian to “go beyond” societal limits …think out of the box!
Personal: This is a …deeply moving and engrossing bildungs-novella. I was totally absorbed.
This book may not appeal to everyone but once you have read it then let it sink in.
#MustRead Classic
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NancyElin.blog 
This sounds intriguing and deep, how to portray all that in a novella. Wonderful.
Exactly, all that in just 176 pages. Hesse is a master in defining only what really matters to the character…and economizes on the backstory. He gives the reader the chance to use his/her imagination!
Yes, a nice book (I think I read it for GLM a couple of years back!).
My first Hesse book…..and not my last!
Second review of this one I’ve read today! Hesse is an author I’ve never read.
If you are looking for depth in writing but still readable…Hesse is the go-to author! I have a second Hesse book on my TBR for this month…..so stay tuned! Thanks for you comment.
Good to know!
Oh, I like Hesse! Glass Bead Game is probably my favorite, but they’re mostly pretty great. It’s been forever since I read Demian.
I was totally impressed by The Glass Bead Gam! My review will be posted soon.