The Dream Room by Erich Maria Remarque. Short summary

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A novel about people completely devoted to art. The heroes of the novel are far from the ordinary world — they live, love and create, and to the average man they seem to be creatures not of this world.

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A talented artist named Fritz Schramm pines for his deceased lover Louise. In memory of his beloved, he has set up a «dream shelter» — a place where talented young people can receive advice and care.

The artist’s «pets» include the gifted musician Ernst Winter and the lovely Elisabeth Heindorf. Fritz also helps the frivolous Trix Bergen, who lives on the payroll of rich men. He saves her from suicide and reconciles her with her family.

Feelings develop between Ernst and Elisabeth. But Ernst soon leaves for Leipzig to complete his studies. There he has an affair with a gorgeous opera singer. But Ernst soon realizes that he only wants Elisabeth.

Learning of Fritz’s death, Ernst returns to his hometown. Soon the hero, traumatized by the death of his friend, begins to develop a fever. During his illness, Elisabeth takes care of him. After his recovery, Ernst closes himself in Fritz’s room and begins to write music. In the finale he does explain himself to Elisabeth. The young people reconcile.