Erich Maria Remarque (1898–1970)

This book is quasi-autobiographical, but it is told in the manner of a fiction book. I have to say that the book's subject matter is difficult to take in, but the writing is so strong and so lyrical, that it makes everything all so real. This particular book still is considered the most realistic book ever written about war and the terrible toll it takes on humankind. The war to end all wars was a despicable war, and many, many thousands of young men died on both sides of the field. Erich Remarque was one of those soldiers but he fought on the German side. His protagonist in this book was also a foot soldier in the German army, who fought through all four years of this terrible war. This is a heartbreaking book, and it is made so because we all know that the ending will be as heart-rending as all the other chapters. But it is a book that should be read by everyone. Nowhere else will you get such an honest description of wartime and the life and death of the soldiers who fought in it. This is a true classic that has stood the test of time, and has also stood up through numerous translations since it was released in 1929.… (more)