"When we leave, we are not as common soldiers, moody or good mood, and when we arrive in the area where the front begins, we have become men- beasts? "Evidence of a single German soldier of the War of 1914-1918, at the Western Front, pacifist novel, realistic and heartbreaking enjoyed since its release in 1928 a resounding success worldwide. It remains one of the strongest works in exposing the monstrosity of war.
Me Enough shared after reading this book. Indeed, I found this story heavy, stressful, and ultimately, painful to read. The dense text, the chapters long, and the lack of space further accentuate my impression.
Yet this text is beautifully written, and having regard to the nature of facts, although very realistic and explicit, Erich Maria Remarque avoided poured into a bloody story, and in fact fails of any unnecessary voyeurism. And that makes it exciting. We
during the First World War Paul Bäumer, the narrator, recalls his daily life at the front in the company of other soldiers in the trenches, hospitals, or more "safe" when not on the frontline.
The evolution of these soldiers is evident throughout this story, over time they become resigned, questioning the why and the how of this war.
"It's weird when you think about it," says Kopp. We are here to defend our homeland. But the French, too, are there to defend them. Who is right? "
" Why So is there war? request Tjaden "
Better than a history book, the author shows that the slaughter was this conflict, the miserable conditions in which the combatants were.
"The young man will find it difficult to withstand transport and that at most he can still live a few days. All he has suffered so far is nothing compared to what is left to suffer before he dies. "
And when times are hard, when individuals are exposed to the kind of hunger, cold, and, death, or worse the slow suffering that leads to death, nothing beats the camaraderie that exists everywhere and in all circumstances, even the most insignificant.
In reading this text, and thinking of what may be the state of mind of a soldier when he leaves for the front row, I can not help but think of this phrase from Paul Valery " War, a massacre of people who do not know the benefit of people who know but do not massacre " We could not be more cynical.
Erich Maria Remarque, The Pocket Book No. 197-220 pages
Incorporated in 1916 and sent to the front, Erich Maria Remarque returned a year later, wounded hands which makes him give up a career as a musician for whom he aspired. Having taught in elementary school, he wrote several reports for a newspaper. In 1920 he published his first book 'The shack dream' that will pass unnoticed. But it nine years later, with his novel "On the Western Front ', his career began really. It will then be targeted by the Nazis, who accused him of undermining the morale of the German nation in his writings. In 1933, his books are also banned and burned in Berlin in libraries. He left Europe, because the Gestapo wants to stop, to New York, where he later criticizes the new Weimar Republic, made his view of people involved too closely with Nazi crimes. With his American citizenship, he returned to Switzerland in 1947 and wrote many novels like 'The Black Obelisk' or 'A time to live, a time to die'. It is from 1963 that the German press recognizes the importance of his work.
Challenge 26 authors-26 books: 5 / 26 [R]
Challenge ABC / Babélio: 14/26 [R]
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