Ratings311
Average rating4.1
Paul Baumer enlisted with his classmates in the German army of World War I. Youthful and enthusiastic, they become soldiers. But despite what they have learned, they break into pieces under the first bombardment in the trenches. And as horrible war plods on year after year, Paul holds fast to a single vow: to fight against the principles of hate that meaninglessly pits young men of the same generation but different uniforms against each other - if only he can come out of the war alive.
Reviews with the most likes.
This book is best understood in its quotes.
“We are forlorn like children, and experienced like old men, we are crude and sorrowful and superficial—I believe we are lost.” (p123)
“But you were only an idea to me before, an abstraction that lived in my mind and called forth its appropriate response. It was that abstraction I stabbed. But now, for the first time, I see that you are a man like me.” (p223)
This book reminded me of Steinbeck's The Moon Is Down. It gave an interesting and what I perceive to be a realistic account of the German experience of WWI. I'm glad to have finally read this classic book!
Paul and his classmates enlist in World War I. As they move through the days, the trials and the heartaches that they endure are something that will define them for the remainder of their lives, however long or short they might be.
As the war progresses, the shortfalls that the army is suffering become more apparent. The lack of men, ammo and other necessities. Paul notates as they move through the days that they have been trained to die, and they are good at doing that.
This coming of age story of these young men is something new. This story tells of the camaraderie that each of them felt, the bonds of friendship, and how hard they fought to stay together, no matter what. This story is something that all should read!
I'm wavering between 3 and 4 stars again; I'll just go with 4. I can't say I really enjoyed this. It was so bleak and depressing, only moments when that wasn't so. It was prettily written though. I am glad I read it, but won't again at least for a long while.
Featured Prompt
2,755 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...
Prompt
72 books