Play Book Tag discussion

A powerful story of a young man convinced to join WWI as a German soldier and sent out to the trenches where he learns much more powerful lessons such as how mustard gas acts in the atmosphere than conjunctions in grammar class. Paul learns quickly that life is his squad and together they manage to raid farms for food, save each other if missing after a skirmish and to always have each other's back. Even when injured, they made sure to stay together. It is heartbreaking when the squad discusses why they are fighting and how it really has nothing to do with them and the realization that the other side is just young boys like themselves. As Paul becomes more ensconced in the war, his leave is almost painful for the things he can't say to his family, those who find the war interesting and worse officers living the good life and still trying to exert power over a soldier who has seen and survived so much misery and death.

The story though so difficult is beautifully written giving poetry in war. It is really hard to side with war when faced with such personal accounts of boys trying their best but forever marked and no longer even imagine living a civilian life. I'm glad to finally read this one.

Steeplechase: Book to screen x 9; Sad x 39
BWF Tenacious Trailblazers: Letter A

I never had any desire to read this book despite all the great reviews. When it fit a Steeplechase tag earlier this year, I finally did.

Your review said it all and I'm also glad I finally read it.

Another mark for the word "powerful" being used in a review. I am thinking this could end up on a few year end top ten lists. I know I plan to put it on mine.