Welcome to Litsy!

One of Hesse‘s lesser-known works, this book depicts a gifted student‘s fall from academic grace. Hans has his childhood eaten away under increasing studies, and succumbs to a nervous disorder during his first year at academy.

I loved this book 20 years ago, but not as much this time. A few passages get heavy-handed with “the message” and interrupt the style and pace. Still, Hesse‘s writing is glorious and this book deserves more attention.

“...there exists a deep gulf between genius and the teaching profession.”

This whole passage is about teachers struggling with “genius” students and trying to quash their independent spirits; then those who survive to become renowned are later held up as shining alumni.

I know most teachers don‘t fit this mold, and I don‘t claim to be a genius, but I had several teachers who behaved this way. 😡 My mom told me once 👇🏻

Hermann Hesse meine neues großes L, ich bin süchtig nach dir!