This war novel has been described as the best of all time, with readers being left stunned.
All Quiet On The Western Front, written by Erich Maria Remarque, a German veteran of the First World War, was named the best war novel of all time by ShortList.
The anti-war book is a semi-autobiographical account of the WW1 experience. It details Remarque’s personal memories of the disillusionment that ensued during the First World War. It follows the book’s main protagonist and fictional character, Paul Bäumer, in his brief time as a soldier. All Quiet On The Western Front is primarily concerned with the effect that war had on young men.
The book’s synopsis reads: “All Quiet on the Western Front depicts the brutal realities of trench warfare and its devastating impact on young German soldiers. The story follows Paul Baumer and his comrades as they experience the physical and psychological trauma of the war, from their initial idealistic enlistment to their eventual disillusionment and loss. The novel’s title, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” is a stark contrast to the chaotic and violent reality of their experiences.”
The 1929 novel has sold more than 30 million copies and has become an international bestseller.
The book was initially banned from several countries after being termed as “anti-war propaganda”.
Readers have applauded the book and described it as “powerful”.
One fan on Reddit said: “I finished this absolutely heartbreaking, wonderfully written novel in one sitting. And for me, it was more horrifying than any other book I have ever read. I will never view war the same way I did before.”
Another added: “Should be required reading for all high schoolers. Such an amazing book that presents a stark contrast to the invincibility most teens feel.”
A third said: “I started it yesterday and couldn’t put it down. I finished it about 15 minutes ago, and I found myself crying.”
The novel has been adapted for film on several occasions, most recently in 2022, with direction from Edward Berger and distribution from Netflix.
The film starred Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Daniel Brühl, Sebastian Hülk, Aaron Hilmer, Edin Hasanovic and Devid Striesow.
It was nominated for nine Oscars, scooping up four of those alongside winning seven British Academy Film Awards.
All Quiet on the Western Front is available to watch on Netflix.