About the book 
Set in WWI Germany, this classic war novel tells the story from the perspective of a young soldier, Paul Bäumer. The author writes through Bäumer's eyes, showing how young men were taught to romanticise notions of patriotism, only to come face to face with the daily horrors of the trenches. This book mainly depicts the struggles the young soldier faced, both physically and emotionally, on the French border, as well as the deeper sentiment of being part of the “lost generation” and the dehumanising experience of the battlefield. 

Themes and topics for discussion 

• The brutality, futility, and romanticisation of war 

• Desensitisation to violence 

• The disconnect between soldiers and civilians 

• Camaraderie in difficult times 

& more! 

About the author 

Erich Maria Remarque was a German novelist best known for All Quiet on the Western Front, inspired by his World War I service. His anti-war views drew condemnation from the Nazi regime, forcing him into exile. He fled to Switzerland and later the United States, where he became a naturalised citizen and continued writing. 

About Sama-Sama book club  

Sama-Sama Book Club aims to bring together individuals from different backgrounds to read various books from a Singaporean or Southeast Asian lens. Whether the text is secular or set in an unfamiliar culture, there is always something within a book that we can resonate (or disagree) with and connect us. 

About Maktaba Books 

We run regular book clubs and host a peer-to-peer community library where people can share and borrow books for free. We love the idea of making knowledge more accessible and fostering the reading culture here in Singapore. Follow us on Instagram! @maktaba_books 

Registration and Attendance 

• Registration is required for this programme. Please register one ticket per person.
• Attendance will be taken using the NLB Mobile app. Please download the app (https://go.gov.sg/nlbmobile-attendance) or update it to the latest version. Then, scan the QR code at the venue to take your attendance upon entry. 
• Please arrive 10 minutes before the session starts. Seats may be released to walk-in participants if you arrive late.

Photography and Videography Notice
Please note that photos and/or videos of this programme and its participants may be taken.
By participating in this programme, you agree that NLB may take photographs and/or videos of you (or your child as applicable) and use the images and/or videos including to archive, exhibit and publish them for publicity or any other NLB purposes.

Wheelchair-friendly Routes and Social Stories
To access our wheelchair-friendly routes (bus and MRT) and social stories, please visit https://go.gov.sg/wheelchair-friendly-routes-social-stories and select the respective library to access the information.