Erich Maria Remarque was born Erich Paul Remark on June 22, 1898, in Osnabrück, Germany. His father, Peter Franz Remark, was a bookbinder, and his mother, Anna Maria Remark, was a housewife. Erich grew up in a working-class family, and his childhood was marked by poverty and hardship. He was the second of three children, and his younger sister, Elfriede, died of influenza during the 1918 pandemic.
As a young man, Erich was drafted into the German army and served on the Western Front during World War I. His experiences in the war would profoundly shape his worldview and inspire his most famous work, “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
Early life and education
Erich’s early years were marked by poverty and hardship. His father’s business struggled, and the family often had to rely on charity to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Erich was a bright and curious child, and he excelled in school. He was particularly interested in literature and poetry and began writing his own stories at a young age.
After completing his education, Erich worked as a teacher and a stonecutter before being drafted into the army. His experiences in the war would change the course of his life and lead him to become a writer.
The success of “All Quiet on the Western Front”
In 1928, Remarque published “All Quiet on the Western Front,” a novel that would make him a literary sensation. The book tells the story of a young German soldier named Paul Bí¤umer and his experiences on the front lines of World War I. It is a powerful and moving portrayal of the horrors of war and the toll it takes on those who fight in it.
The book was an instant success, selling millions of copies and winning critical acclaim. It was also banned in Germany and other countries for its anti-war message, and Remarque became the target of backbiting and gossip from nationalist groups who accused him of being unpatriotic.
The criticism and controversy surrounding his works
Remarque’s success with “All Quiet on the Western Front” was followed by a series of other novels that also dealt with the impact of war on individuals. His work was often controversial and drew criticism from both the political left and right.
In 1933, the Nazi party came to power in Germany, and Remarque’s books were banned and burned. He and his wife, the actress and singer Ilse Jutta Zambona, were forced to flee the country and eventually settled in the United States.
Erich Maria Remarque’s love life and friendships
Remarque was married three times in his life. His first marriage, to the actress and dancer Ilsa Jeanne Zambona, ended in divorce. He then married the American actress Paulette Goddard, but that marriage also ended in divorce. His third and final marriage was to the Hollywood actress and singer Marlene Dietrich’s daughter, Maria Riva.
Remarque was also known for his close friendships with other artists, including the writer Thomas Mann and the composer Richard Strauss.
Life outside of writing – hobbies and interests
Despite his success as a writer, Remarque had many interests outside of literature. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time on the links. He was also a lover of fine food and wine, and he was known for his culinary skills.
The best quotes from Remarque’s works
Remarque was a master of language, and his works are filled with memorable quotes that capture the human experience. Here are a few of his most famous lines:
- “I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow.”
- “A hospital alone shows what war is.”
- “The world has a great writer in you, but he is a man who is dead.”
The best books by Remarque
Remarque’s body of work includes several novels and short stories, but here are a few of his most beloved books:
- “All Quiet on the Western Front”
- “The Road Back”
- “Three Comrades”
- “Arch of Triumph”
- “The Night in Lisbon”
Books in order – a complete list of Remarque’s works
Here is a complete list of Remarque’s works, in order of publication:
- “The Dream Room” (1920)
- “Station at the Horizon” (1928)
- “All Quiet on the Western Front” (1929)
- “The Road Back” (1931)
- “Three Comrades” (1936)
- “Flotsam” (1941)
- “Arch of Triumph” (1945)
- “Spark of Life” (1952)
- “The Black Obelisk” (1956)
- “Heaven Has No Favorites” (1961)
- “The Night in Lisbon” (1962)
Books or characters that became movies or other media
Several of Remarque’s books have been adapted into films and other media. Here are a few notable examples:
- “All Quiet on the Western Front” (1930, film)
- “Three Comrades” (1938, film)
- “Arch of Triumph” (1948, film)
- “A Time to Love and a Time to Die” (1958, film)
- “The Road Back” (1976, TV movie)
Other artists who inspired Remarque
Remarque was influenced by a number of other artists, including the poet Rainer Maria Rilke and the painter Max Beckmann. He was also a fan of classical music and was particularly fond of the works of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Other writers to read if you love Remarque’s works
If you are a fan of Remarque’s writing, here are a few other authors you might enjoy:
- Hemingway
- Joseph Heller
- Kurt Vonnegut
- Graham Greene
- Milan Kundera
Erich Maria Remarque’s legacy – why his work is still relevant today
Remarque’s work continues to resonate with readers today because of its powerful portrayal of the human experience. His books explore themes of war, love, and loss, and they offer a window into a world that is both familiar and strange.
Conclusion – why you should read Erich Maria Remarque’s works
Erich Maria Remarque was a gifted writer whose life and work have left an indelible mark on the literary world. His books are powerful and moving portrayals of the human experience, and they offer a window into a world that is both familiar and strange. If you are a lover of literature and cinema, I highly recommend that you read Erich Maria Remarque’s works and explore the unconventional story of this remarkable artist.
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