Literary · Coming of age · Classics
Demian
Emil Sinclair, a boy raised in a sheltered home, meets the older, enigmatic Max Demian. He is led through a troubled youth toward questions of good, evil and finding his own path.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1919
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 176
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like short, introspective novels about self-discovery and spiritual questions.
Skip this if you prefer realistic plots and concrete storytelling.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Demian
- What is Demian about?
- Emil Sinclair, a boy raised in a sheltered home, meets the older, enigmatic Max Demian. He is led through a troubled youth toward questions of good, evil and finding his own path.
- Who should read Demian?
- Read it if you like short, introspective novels about self-discovery and spiritual questions. Skip it if you prefer realistic plots and concrete storytelling.
- How long and how fast is Demian?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 176 pages, first published in 1919.
- Does Demian have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War.
- Can I borrow Demian for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Demian; the borrow button above searches it for you.
Your shelf
Saved in this browser only. Open my shelf
Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.
Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works
Share this pick
Literary
