From the detention centre on Ellis Island, Ludwig Somner looks across a small stretch of water to the glittering towers of New York—a seductive beacon of freedom after years of perilous wandering through war-scarred Europe. This posthumously published, unfinished final novel by Erich Maria Remarque explores the precarious existence of a refugee, navigating life on false passports and within a transient community, united by an unspeakable past.

For Somner, new luxuries like ice cream, bright shop windows, or a fresh romance carry a bittersweet edge, as memories of war and inhumanity resurface even in this peaceful 'promised land'.

Why You Should Read?

• Experience Remarque's poignant reflection on the refugee experience and the search for solace after conflict.
• Explore themes of displacement, identity, and the enduring impact of war, even in a new land.
• Discover the bittersweet nature of new beginnings shadowed by persistent memories of trauma.
• Gain insight into the final, profound work of a master storyteller known for his powerful anti-war narratives.