This novel is the work of the German writer: Erich Maria Remarque. Essentially, it is an anti-war story and was written
in 1929. Its introduction to the world, in 1929, was met with shock as well as outright horror: the reason being, the story tells of life in the trenches in a way no story had ever done. The style of the "tale telling" was one that was "cool," highly realistic, and factual.
The tone of the story shows no passion, or no spirit of nationalism to any degree. The protagonist of the story is a nineteen year old who endures the war with the final ending being one wherein he sadly loses his life just prior to the Armistice.
Many of you may recognize this story as, also, a classic film. The film version was created in 1930.