Gr8grendel's review
Arch of Triumph
by Erich Maria Remarque
Gr8grendel's review
Arch of Triumph by Erich Maria Remarque
Gr8grendel's review
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remarque
This was a nice departure from Remarque's previous works; though romantic interests were involved, overtones of the onset of international conflict were more pronounced. Still, he remains the "Last Romantic".
As always there were beautifully crafted descriptions and great character development. Prepare to be caught in a whirlwind of French language, medical jargon (comprehendible if you took anatomy) and historical references that I personally found necessary for dialog to function (poppies in Flanders).
The friendship between Ravic and Boris was priceless. Great humor in their dialog. The love interest was fleeting and, though made for fantastical romantic lines, rubbed off a bit trite.
Also the book ended a bit too abruptly and not in an All Quiet..., Three Comrades sort of way. Still enough substance in the end to leave the reader feeling it was worth the time to read this classic (unlike Crichton's Andromeda Strain, my idea of how a book SHOULDN'T end).
If you...more
As always there were beautifully crafted descriptions and great character development. Prepare to be caught in a whirlwind of French language, medical jargon (comprehendible if you took anatomy) and historical references that I personally found necessary for dialog to function (poppies in Flanders).
The friendship between Ravic and Boris was priceless. Great humor in their dialog. The love interest was fleeting and, though made for fantastical romantic lines, rubbed off a bit trite.
Also the book ended a bit too abruptly and not in an All Quiet..., Three Comrades sort of way. Still enough substance in the end to leave the reader feeling it was worth the time to read this classic (unlike Crichton's Andromeda Strain, my idea of how a book SHOULDN'T end).
If you...more
