It is always interesting to see what others have to say about a book that one has read personally. Sometimes it's very disappointing because a story may have meant the world, but the critic or critical writer heartlessly tears it apart. Or, as one might hope, the reviewer enjoyed every fragment of the story as much as possible. Of course, the reality and purpose of a review is to demonstrate whether the author has succeeded in achieving their goal of creating a widely read piece, a moving piece, or a well-written piece to add to their collectibles. All Calm on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, is lucky to be on my list of agreement with most critics. This historical fiction novel, almost ninety years old, is said to embody the impressionist ideals of the First World War. Excellent characterization on three different levels also helps the reader better understand the Great War as an event and the ideals the people held. felt as a direct consequence. This tale was so great that it was picked up by the Hollywood rich of the time and produced. I can't argue with the likelihood that Hollywood picked it up because it was well written. When Remarque's book entered the literary scene in 1929, it was a great success that completely eclipsed the previous novel he had written a few years earlier. I haven't personally read his other plays, but All Quiet undoubtedly deserves all the attention it has received and still does. This well-written novel wasn't heavy in appearance or in the reading itself, and that's a slight shock considering the topics it covers. One of the reasons this book had so much power in Germany and (fortunately) many other countries was that it was "clear but truthful... middle of paper... artistic expression" (42). the understanding and use of this method is phenomenal. Obviously, others of the time thought so too because the story was adapted for film quite quickly. It was the time when Hollywood was pounced on classic books and new fantasy entering the literary scene in order to ensure audience attendance. Note's novel was so brilliant that, in truth, he didn't need to be lucky.Works CitedFirda, Richard Arthur. All is calm on the Western Front: literary analysis and cultural context. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1993.Taylor, Harley U., Jr. Erich Maria Note: A literary and cinematic biography. New York: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc., 1989. Taylor, Marvin J. “The Life and Writings of Erich Maria Note.” April 27 2008 .