Facts from the life of the most depressive writer in Germany (11 photos)

Erich Maria Remarque is without a doubt one of the the greatest writers of the 20th century. His books can be read by both teenagers and adults, and everyone will find something of their own there.





His works about the lost generation, about the horrors of war, about those who are tired, who do not understand anything, driven by life circumstances, people. But even in the life of the writer there were few joyful moments.



Little Remarque with sisters

Erich Maria Remarque had an unusual history of changing the second name. In his biography, he wrote that at the age of 19 he decided replace "Paul" with "Maria" in memory of his mother, whose name was Anna Maria. This was his way of honoring her, and he became known as Erich Maria Remarque.



Remarque as Professor Polman in the film "A Time to Love and a Time to Die", based on his novel of the same name

Remarque was known for his large-scale works. During his literary career, he created many novels, which brought him worldwide fame. But he also wrote more short works such as short stories and plays. In addition, he tried himself as a screenwriter and even played an episode in the film "A time to love and a time to die."



At war

Despite the fact that Remarque did not spend much time on advanced, he showed personal courage. For their actions, the council of soldiers and the workers of his city presented him to the Iron Cross. But the writer refused - he always said that war was a dirty and disgusting thing, and did not want to wear military awards. Remarque was a staunch pacifist.



In his youth, Remarque had a musical talent and played on piano. Until the age of 18, he even worked as a tutor. However, his musical plans were interrupted when he was called up for service during the First world war. Shortly after the call, Remarque was wounded by a shrapnel and his hospitalized.



With Marlene Dietrich

Before turning to literature, Remarque changed several professions. He dreamed of becoming a teacher, but later became disillusioned with this thoughts. He worked in a bank, was engaged in trade, played the organ in church and even worked as an accountant. But it is his work as editor in the magazine was the first step into the literary world.



Remarque had his own peculiarities and quirks. For example, he does not accepted typewriters and preferred to write his manuscripts by hand. He was also not fond of fountain pens and preferred to use ordinary pencils at work.



Screen adaptations of All Quiet on the Western Front, 1930 and 2022

Remarque's military experience at the front became the basis for his famous novel All Quiet on the Western Front. The book became international bestseller, best selling German novel and brought Remarque worldwide fame. It has been translated into many languages and filmed. The 1930 film won 2 Oscars.

In 2022, another film based on this novel was also released, it has already received 4 Oscars.



Remarque was critical of his first published work - the novel "Shelter of Dreams". He considered him unsuccessful and spent a lot of effort to destroy the remaining copies books.



Leni Riefenstahl

While working on his novel "On the Western Front without change" Remarque temporarily lived in the house of his girlfriend, a German actress, director and photographer Leni Riefenstahl. However, after some time, they parted ways due to political differences. Remarque became a victim persecution, and Leni became one of the most famous propagandists Nazi regime. She gained great fame as a director and cameraman behind the Nazi-glorifying documentaries Triumph will" and "Olympia".



TimeRemarque's success coincided with the rise of the Nazis to power in Germany. Because of his anti-fascist views and criticism of the Nazi regime, he became the object of persecution. His books were banned, and Remarque accused of corrupting German society. He was forced to leave Germany and emigrate to another country.