All Quiet on the Western Front

by Erich Maria Remarque, A W. Wheen, Remarque, Erich Maria Remarque
All Quiet on the Western Front cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £15.99–£16.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7270
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781409015741
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-11-23
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

All Quiet on the Western Front is a poignant anti-war novel that follows a group of German schoolboys who eagerly enlist in World War I, only to face the horrors and disillusionment of trench warfare. The story is a powerful exploration of the human cost of conflict, told through the eyes of an 'unknown soldier' who witnesses the gradual erosion of his youth and innocence. This novel, now a hit Netflix film and winner of numerous awards, is a timeless classic that has lost none of its force in evoking the realities of modern warfare. Translated by Brian Murdoch, it is published alongside its sequel, The Way Back, offering a comprehensive look at the aftermath of war.

Reviews
artsfuse.org · 2025-03-22
shattering 4.50

The novel remains shocking and shattering, offering a profound and personal account of war. It serves as a stark reminder of the futility and devastation of conflict.

The reviewer finds Erich Maria Remarque's novel to be as shocking and shattering today as it was when it was first published. They appreciate the novel's ability to offer a profound and personal account of war, highlighting the futility and devastation of conflict. The reviewer also notes the novel's enduring relevance, as it continues to resonate with readers and serve as a stark reminder of the cost of war. The novel's unflinching portrayal of the soldiers' experiences is particularly impactful, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the true nature of war. The reviewer's admiration for the novel is evident, and they highly recommend it to others.

Quick quotes

    Erich Maria Remarque's 1929 novel of an ordinary soldier's life in the trenches of WWI remains shocking and shattering today.

    The novel's ability to offer a profound and personal account of war is truly remarkable.

    It serves as a stark reminder of the futility and devastation of conflict.

samannelizabeth.wordpress.com · 2024-01-01
harrowing 4.50

The story is deeply moving and real, capturing the brutality of war in a way that is both harrowing and unforgettable. It offers a profound insight into the soldiers' experiences and the psychological toll of combat.

The reviewer found the story deeply moving and real, capturing the brutality of war in a way that is both harrowing and unforgettable. They were particularly struck by the raw and unfiltered portrayal of the soldiers' experiences, which brought home the psychological toll of combat. The reviewer also appreciated the novel's ability to convey the futility of war and the loss of innocence that soldiers endure. However, they were initially unsure if the novel was historical fiction or based on the author's own experiences, which added to the impact of the story. Overall, the reviewer found the novel to be a powerful and thought-provoking read that left a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    I found the story very moving and real in a way I wasn't quite ready for.

    The novel's ability to convey the futility of war and the loss of innocence is truly remarkable.

    The raw and unfiltered portrayal of the soldiers' experiences is both harrowing and unforgettable.

Julia's Books · Julia · 2023-05-11
poignant 4.50

The novel's timeless relevance and emotional depth make it a poignant read. It offers a stark portrayal of war that resonates deeply with readers.

Julia's review highlights the novel's enduring impact, noting how its portrayal of war remains shockingly relevant even decades later. She emphasizes the emotional depth and the raw, unfiltered perspective of the soldiers, which makes the book a deeply moving experience. Julia appreciates the novel's ability to convey the horrors of war in a way that is both poignant and unforgettable. She also notes the novel's historical significance, published just a decade after the war, adding to its authenticity and impact.

Quick quotes

    First published in 1929, only ten years after the end of that war, it has become one of the most iconic novels about war, all the more poignant because of its timeless relevance.

    The novel's raw and unfiltered perspective on the horrors of war makes it a deeply moving and unforgettable read.

    The emotional depth and historical significance of the novel add to its enduring impact on readers.

Write Out Loud Blog · 2023-04-23
moving 4.50

This is a beautiful, tragic anti-war story. It's a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the impact it has on those who fight in it.

The reviewer is deeply moved by the novel's portrayal of the brutal realities of war. They highlight the author's unique ability to convey the emotional and psychological toll of combat. The story is described as a poignant and timely reminder of the futility and devastation of war. The reviewer also notes that the novel's impact is universal, resonating with readers regardless of their background or experience. They emphasize the importance of such literature in fostering empathy and understanding.

Quick quotes

    I can't imagine what it took for Remarque to write such a beautiful, tragic anti-war story.

    No matter how many books you read, films you watch, or documentaries you see, nothing can truly prepare you for the raw, unfiltered reality of war.

    This novel is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the impact it has on those who fight in it.

Appears in Lists