With the WWI centennial just around the corner, I thought it appropriate to read at least a few works on that terrible conflict. First up: All Quiet on the Western Front, a fictional but realistic account of a German soldier's experiences over a three year period. You see him in the trenches, on leave, in the hospital, under fire, at rest, on attack, on defense, with his comrades- it tries to cover several aspects of war.
Written by a German, the account is short (under 300 pages), fast-paced, poignant, and portrays well (as far as I know) the physical and psychological anguish experienced by soldiers. I was especially 'impressed' by the psychological side of war- how it dehumanized, and ultimately destroyed, the wills of those who fought, leaving men as senseless husks without desire or direction at conflict's end. You get the sense that some soldiers almost wanted to die, rather than live on with the memories and experiences. Overall, this is a sobering, worthy read.
Rating: A
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