Arch of Triumph weaves a compelling narrative around Ravic, a German political refugee navigating life in Paris before World War II. He lives in precarious circumstances, always under the shadow of potential deportation, yet finds solace in his work and relationships. The story explores themes of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of an increasingly oppressive world.

Ravic’s Life in Paris

Before fleeing from the clutches of the Nazis, Ravic, whose real name is Ludwig Fresenburg, held a prestigious position as the head surgeon at a German hospital. In Paris, he works clandestinely as a "ghost" surgeon for two French doctors, leveraging his skills in the shadows. Though his existence is illegal, he manages to live reasonably comfortably among a diverse group of fellow refugees, including Russian, German-Jewish, and Spanish exiles, in a modest hotel.

A Troubled Romance

The tranquility of Ravic's life is disrupted when he meets Joan Madou, a captivating yet volatile woman. Their relationship is passionate but fraught with difficulties and external challenges. Ravic's life takes a dramatic turn when he is apprehended by the French police for assisting an injured person and subsequently deported to Switzerland. Upon his return to Paris months later, he finds Joan entangled in a relationship with an actor. As Ravic attempts to rekindle their romance, the actor, driven by jealousy, shoots Joan. Despite Ravic’s expert surgical efforts, he is unable to save her life and ultimately, with her consent, administers a lethal injection to spare her from further suffering.

Past and Present Sorrows

Joan represents the second significant love that Ravic loses to circumstances beyond his control. His earlier heartbreak traces back to 1933, when he and his then-girlfriend Sybil were detained by the Gestapo for aiding friends in escaping Nazi Germany. Both Ravic and Sybil endured brutal torture at the hands of Haake, a Gestapo officer, before Ravic was sent to a concentration camp. He managed to escape and reach France, but Sybil’s fate remained grim, presumed dead. Joan’s love had briefly revived Ravic's spirits, offering a reprieve from his otherwise bleak outlook on life.

Vengeance and Resilience

In a twist of fate, Ravic encounters Haake, his former torturer, on the streets of Paris. This unexpected meeting offers Ravic the opportunity to exact revenge. Without being recognized, he cunningly orchestrates Haake’s demise. This act of vengeance leads to an unexpected inner transformation, bestowing upon Ravic a newfound emotional resilience. As Europe plunges into war and the Arch of Triumph, an emblem of France, is shrouded in the darkness of impending conflict, Ravic faces an uncertain future. Yet, fortified by his recent experiences, he possesses the emotional strength needed to endure whatever challenges lie ahead.

Enduring Themes

Arch of Triumph stands as one of Remarque’s most poignant works, second only to his acclaimed novel, All Quiet on the Western Front. It continues to delve into the author's enduring theme of individuals wrestling with feelings of powerlessness and alienation, yet discovering inner fortitude amidst totalitarian oppression. Through Ravic’s journey, the novel illustrates the profound capacity for survival and emotional recovery even in the face of overwhelming adversity.