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This
is a classic in literature that I had never read. It was now time.
Remarque served in World War I. His novel is a graphic recounting of the
damage of war, first approached by young men who believe (at that time)
in their mission. Friendships develop, and life seems good. Battles
are described in precise detail, and gradually the horror is
overwhelming. First published in Germany in 1928, certain passages show
that Remarque foresees World War II.
I'm not going to say any
more other than to recommend this first-person narration to anyone who
is looking for a true-to-life recounting of war. But I will include a
lengthy quote of this gifted author that captures the essence of this
tale.
"I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing
of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over
an abyss of sorrow. I see how peoples are set against one another, and
in silence, unknowingly, foolishly, obediently, innocently slay one
another. I see that the keenest brains of the world invent weapons and
words to make it yet more refined and enduring. And all men of my age,
here and over there, throughout the whole world see these things; all my
generation is experiencing these things with me. What would our
fathers do if we suddenly stood up and came before them and proffered
our account? What do they expect of us if a time ever comes when the
war is over? Through the years our business has been killing; - it was
our first calling in life. Our knowledge of life is limited to death.
What will happen afterwards? And what shall come out of us?" pages
263-264 of this edition.
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