Wow, I couldn't put this book down (except when I had to go to work). It's about a German soldiers experience in WW1. There's some really strong imagery in there also, powerful stuff. I was almost crying a few times during the book. Has anyone else read it? Thoughts?
I read it for a class a couple years ago and promptly bought the book. It is by far one of my favorites. And it makes you think, too. Always good in a book!
one of the most surprising revelations in the book was that on the ww1 battlefield the most useful weapon you could have was the spade, he goes into exactly how you kill a man with a spade. the author succinctly examines the fickle nature of fate with the death of his friend and companion katz from a tiny splinter of shrapnel caused by an artillery shell i think. the book blows away the notion that you can get away with being in a war, sooner or later you or or a dear friend will end up dead or maimed. hitler in his time banned this book of course.
It is a wonderful book, I went through it in two days. I love the war narative, it is probebly one of the best war books out there.
The part I remember most is when the main character jumps into the foxhole right next to some enemy troop and kills him... Then sits with his wallet and contemplates who he was and who he stole him away from...
i loved this book which supprised me i dint think it would be my kinda thing but it just made u think of what it was like and the imagery you got from it too!
I didn't read this one, but I've read Remarque's "Der schwarze Obelisk" and fell in love with his writing so I plan to read also "All quiet..." !...I like reading German authors, they can create authentic atmosphere in their works...
I remember a few parts that moved me. I remember the chickens which were stolen to help the starving soldiers. I remember the thoughts of the green soldiers as they approached the front. Most of all I remember the last day of the war and the hero gets shot in the head and dies right after the truce. It was a sad story. I loved it. I used to read a lot of war stories. Vietnam books are quite interesting. Any thoughts?
Ahh, been a while since I read it, it was very good, but very depressing. Very good for a highschool english class to read. I think it describes the pointlessness of war in a easy, but still very captivating way.
