This book follows the main character Paul , a German soldier, to the front lines of World War I. Over 3 years, he faces fierce battles contrasted with temporary leaves for either rest and recreation or medical leave due to injury. When plausible, he and his comrades try and make sense of the war with their 20 year old intellects recognizing the horrific truth that they are fighting and dying in someone elses war. In the end though, they follow their orders and fight to no end because they are soldiers and that is all they know how to be.

There is no surprise ending. There is no redemption, There is no solace. Its just a story worth telling.

I am still trying to get hold of the fact that this book was written in the 1920s. There are so many applicable observations and commentaries on wars, those who start them, and those who fight in them. The writing is brilliantly eloquent with excellent imagery. The minimal use of social commentary does not get in the way of an excellent story with great characters. Granted i have only read a handful of war novels, but i agree with the statement on the cover of my copy that says "The greatest war novel of all time"

seriously...wow.

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