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Heaven Has No Favorites by Erich Maria Remarque, book cover

Heaven Has No Favorites Summary

by Erich Maria Remarque

4.24 Goodreads · 9k ratingsHistorical Fiction253 pages13-min summary

A dying woman with a thirst for life and a race-car driver who tempts fate forge a fleeting, passionate romance across Europe, only to discover that love can be the most dangerous gamble of all.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished March 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Lillian, a young woman with terminal consumption, escapes her sanatorium in the Alps, determined to live her final days experiencing the world rather than waiting to die. She crosses paths with Clerfayt, a reckless race-car driver who constantly flirts with danger. Drawn to her defiant spirit and shared embrace of the present, they embark on a passionate, whirlwind romance across Europe, from the vibrant streets of Paris to the canals of Venice. Their arrangement is based on living for the moment, devoid of future commitments, a perfect fit for two individuals living on borrowed time. However, as their bond deepens, the unspoken rule of emotional detachment is challenged when one of them inevitably begins to fall in love, forcing them to confront the painful reality of their fleeting time together.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Bittersweet, romantic, melancholic, reflective, defiant

Heaven Has No Favorites Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. A Chance Encounter at a Sanatorium

    The story begins at a Swiss sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. Lillian, beautiful and terminally ill, suffers from consumption. Despite her prognosis, she longs for life outside the hospital's sterile walls. She meets Clerfayt, a daring, cynical race car driver visiting a friend. Drawn to her defiant spirit, Clerfayt offers Lillian a ride in his car. This act symbolizes her desperate wish for freedom and experience. Lillian takes the chance, leaving the sanatorium without looking back. She starts an uncertain journey with a man she barely knows, driven by a strong urge to live fully before her inevitable death.

  2. Paris: A Whirlwind of Decadence

    Clerfayt takes Lillian to Paris. They live a life of luxury and temporary pleasures. They stay in fancy hotels, eat at exclusive restaurants, and go to high-society events. Lillian, aware of her limited time, throws herself into these experiences with great intensity, determined to enjoy every moment. Clerfayt, used to living on the edge, is captivated by her energy and her honest acceptance of her fate. Their relationship starts with a mutual understanding of impermanence, an agreement to live for the present without future commitments. They form an unusual bond built on shared pleasure and the shadow of death.

  3. The Ghost of the Past: Hollmann

    In Paris, Lillian unexpectedly meets Hollmann, a former lover and fellow patient from the sanatorium. This reunion brings back sad memories of her past and the life she left. Hollmann, still sick, represents the reality she tries to escape. Their conversation is sad, full of unspoken regrets. It highlights the contrast between Lillian's current pursuit of life and the grim future that still awaits her. The encounter reminds her of her illness, briefly interrupting her carefree life with Clerfayt and forcing her to face the emotional weight of her past relationships and her approaching death.

  4. Venice: Romance and Growing Affection

    From Paris, Lillian and Clerfayt travel to Venice, a city known for romance. There, their relationship grows beyond just companionship. Clerfayt, first drawn to Lillian's defiance and zest for life, falls more and more in love with her. He starts to imagine a future with her, even though he knows such dreams are pointless. Lillian, while returning his affection, remains deeply aware of her illness. She holds back from fully committing to his love, fearing the pain it would cause him when she is gone. Venice's beauty is a bittersweet background to their developing feelings, intensifying the joy and sorrow of their unique bond.

  5. A Race in Monza and a Near Miss

    Clerfayt races in Monza. Lillian, who has always been detached about his profession, becomes consumed with worry for his safety. Seeing the risks of his life, she realizes how deeply she feels for him, understanding that she has grown to love him. The roar of the engines and the speed of the cars heighten her awareness of life's fragility, both her own and Clerfayt's. When he barely escapes a serious accident, Lillian feels great relief. This shows that her initial detachment has changed into genuine love and fear of losing him, challenging their initial idea of living without attachment.

  6. The Weight of Love and Illness

    As Clerfayt's love for Lillian grows, he proposes marriage and a life together. He even suggests they get more medical opinions. Lillian is deeply touched by his devotion but is also burdened by her terminal illness. She struggles with the moral question of accepting his love and possibly causing him immense pain when she eventually dies from her disease. Her love for him makes her even more aware of her tragic situation. She desperately wants to live for him but knows it is impossible. This internal conflict creates deep emotional tension, showing the cruel irony of finding love just as life slips away.

  7. A Brief Reprieve in the Countryside

    Seeking a break from their intense emotions and fast-paced life, Lillian and Clerfayt go to a quiet countryside villa. This period gives them a chance for a more peaceful, almost domestic existence, away from the public and constant reminders of their respective dangers. They spend their days in quiet companionship, sharing intimate moments and talking about life, death, and their intertwined destinies. This calm time allows them to connect more deeply, strengthening their bond and giving a brief illusion of a normal future, even as the shadow of Lillian's illness grows larger over their idyllic retreat.

  8. The Inevitable Decline

    Despite their attempts to ignore it, Lillian's health visibly worsens. Her coughs become more frequent, her energy lessens, and her physical weakness becomes clear. The reality of her terminal condition can no longer be avoided. Clerfayt, heartbroken, tries to stay strong for her, but the helplessness of the situation weighs heavily on him. Lillian, brave as ever, faces her decline with resignation and a lingering wish to make the most of her remaining time. This period marks a shift from their carefree existence to a more somber acceptance of the coming tragedy, as they both prepare for the inevitable.

  9. Clerfayt's Fatal Race

    In a cruel turn of events, Clerfayt, who had escaped death many times on the race track, dies in a terrible accident during a race. The news shatters Lillian, who had been preparing for her own death but not his. The irony is great: the one expected to survive dies first, leaving the dying to grieve. His death is a sudden, brutal end to their unusual love story, leaving Lillian utterly alone and heartbroken. The man who taught her to live for the moment is gone, leaving her to face her own end with a broken heart and the tragic knowledge that their love, though brief, was deep and fated to end in sorrow.

  10. Lillian's Final Journey

    Devastated by Clerfayt's death, Lillian continues her journey, now without the lively spirit that had been with her. Her will to live, though still present, is now tinged with deep grief. She travels, fulfilling her desire to see more of the world, but each moment is shadowed by Clerfayt's loss. Her health continues its irreversible decline, and she eventually dies from her illness. Her death is not a sudden, dramatic event, but a gradual fading, a quiet end to a life lived fiercely against the odds. She dies having experienced love and life to its fullest, but also having endured the greatest heartbreak, leaving behind a legacy of defiant beauty and tragic romance.

Heaven Has No Favorites Characters

Lillian

Protagonist

A beautiful, terminally ill woman who seeks to live life to the fullest.

Lillian is a young, beautiful woman suffering from terminal tuberculosis. Despite her grim prognosis, she possesses an indomitable spirit and a fierce desire to experience life outside the confines of a sanatorium. She is intelligent, perceptive, and remarkably pragmatic about her impending death, which fuels her hedonistic pursuit of pleasure and experience. Her vulnerability is balanced by her strength and her refusal to be defined by her illness, making her captivating to those around her. She seeks freedom and authentic living, even if it is for a short time.

Relationships: Clerfayt (Lover, companion, and the object of her deepest affection.); Hollmann (Former lover and fellow sanatorium patient, representing her past.)

Clerfayt

Protagonist

A cynical, daredevil race car driver who falls in love with Lillian.

Clerfayt is a seasoned and somewhat cynical race car driver, accustomed to living on the edge and defying death. He is charming, worldly, and initially drawn to Lillian's defiant spirit and frank acceptance of her mortality. He values freedom and avoids emotional entanglement, but his encounters with Lillian gradually break down his defenses. He represents a man who lives by chance and skill, finding an unexpected and profound love with a woman facing an entirely different kind of inevitable end. His initial detachment gives way to a deep, protective love.

Relationships: Lillian (Lover, companion, and the woman he ultimately falls deeply in love with.)

Hollmann

Supporting

Lillian's former lover and a fellow patient from the sanatorium.

Hollmann is a poignant figure, a former lover of Lillian and a fellow patient from theatorium. He represents the past Lillian is trying to escape and the grim reality of her illness. His character serves as a stark contrast to Clerfayt, embodying the lingering despair and confinement associated with their shared disease. His brief re-appearance reminds Lillian of the life she left behind and the inevitable path she is on, despite her efforts to defy it. He is a gentle, melancholic figure, still clinging to the hope of recovery.

Relationships: Lillian (Former lover and acquaintance from the sanatorium.)

Dr. Kesten

Supporting

Lillian's compassionate doctor at the sanatorium.

Dr. Kesten is Lillian's doctor at the Swiss sanatorium. He is depicted as a compassionate and understanding figure, aware of the psychological toll of terminal illness on his patients. While he upholds medical ethics, he also recognizes Lillian's profound desire for a final taste of life. He is a symbol of the medical world, representing the limits of science against the human will to live. His interactions with Lillian highlight the conflict between medical necessity and personal freedom, embodying a sense of resigned empathy for his patients' fates.

Relationships: Lillian (Doctor and patient, with a mutual respect.)

The Hotel Concierge (Paris)

Supporting

A discreet and observant figure in Paris.

This unnamed concierge represents the anonymous, yet observant, figures who witness Lillian and Clerfayt's extravagant life. He is a symbol of the luxurious and transient world they inhabit in Paris. His discreet service and keen eye for detail underscore the ephemeral nature of their existence, as he caters to their every whim without judgment. He observes their unconventional relationship and Lillian's vibrant, yet fragile, beauty, embodying the silent witnesses to their intense, fleeting romance in the heart of the city of lights. He is a minor character but adds to the atmosphere of their opulent, yet ultimately temporary, lifestyle.

The Race Car Mechanics

Supporting

Clerfayt's loyal and skilled pit crew.

These mechanics are Clerfayt's dedicated team, working tirelessly to ensure his race car is in peak condition. They represent the dangerous world of professional racing and the constant presence of risk in Clerfayt's life. Their focus on precision and speed mirrors Clerfayt's own approach to his profession. They are loyal and skilled, embodying the camaraderie and unspoken understanding that exists within the high-stakes world of motor sports. Their presence highlights the contrast between Lillian's internal battle against disease and Clerfayt's external battle against speed and chance.

Relationships: Clerfayt (Professional colleagues and support staff.)

Heaven Has No Favorites Themes

The Acceptance of Mortality and the Pursuit of Life

The novel explores how facing imminent death can intensify the desire to live fully. Lillian's terminal illness makes her abandon societal expectations and embrace a hedonistic, uninhibited life. Her choice to leave the sanatorium and experience luxury, travel, and love is an act of defiance against her fate, showing an acceptance of her mortality that fuels her pursuit of life's richest experiences. Clerfayt, too, lives with a constant awareness of death in his dangerous profession, creating a shared understanding of impermanence that initially binds them.

“Life is a hospital in which every patient is possessed by the desire to change his bed. One would prefer to suffer on the stove, another in the window. It seems to me that I am always better off where I am not.”
Lillian

The Nature of Love in the Face of Impermanence

Love is a central theme, but it is complicated by the characters' awareness of their limited time. The novel questions if love can truly grow when one partner is terminally ill and the other lives a life of constant risk. Clerfayt and Lillian start a relationship built on living for the moment, without future commitments. However, as their bond deepens, they face the painful reality that love seeks permanence, creating a tragic conflict. Their love story highlights the bittersweet beauty and deep sorrow of forming strong connections when an ending is already known.

“Love is not a pot of preserves to be stored for the winter. It is a perishable fruit that must be eaten now.”
Narrator

Freedom vs. Confinement

Freedom and confinement is a recurring idea. Lillian escapes the physical confinement of the sanatorium, symbolizing her rebellion against the confinement of her illness and societal expectations. She seeks freedom of movement, experience, and choice. Clerfayt, through his racing, also embodies a form of freedom, constantly pushing boundaries. However, both characters eventually face different forms of confinement: Lillian by her deteriorating body, and Clerfayt by the emotional bonds of love. The novel suggests that while physical freedom can be found, emotional and existential confinements are harder to escape.

“The only freedom is to be free of fear.”
Clerfayt

The Irony of Fate

The novel is full of dramatic irony, especially concerning Lillian and Clerfayt's fates. Lillian, who is terminally ill, prepares for death. Clerfayt, who lives a life of extreme danger, often escapes it. The ultimate irony is that Clerfayt, the one seemingly destined to survive, dies first in a racing accident, leaving Lillian, who is dying, to grieve his loss. This unexpected reversal of fortune shows fate's arbitrary and often cruel nature, challenging assumptions about who is truly 'safe' and who is truly 'doomed.'

“Heaven has no favorites.”
Narrator (implied title meaning)

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Foreshadowing

Hints of future events, particularly death.

The narrative frequently employs foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the tragic outcomes for both Lillian and Clerfayt. Lillian's terminal illness is established from the outset, constantly reminding the reader of her impending death. Clerfayt's dangerous profession as a race car driver also serves as a constant ominous presence, suggesting that his life is always on the line. These elements create a pervasive sense of impending doom, heightening the emotional impact of the eventual deaths and underscoring the novel's themes of mortality and fate. The initial agreement between Lillian and Clerfayt to avoid love also foreshadows the heartbreak that will ensue when they inevitably fall for each other.

Symbolism of Speed and Stasis

The contrast between the fast-paced and the stagnant.

The novel uses speed and stasis as powerful symbols. Clerfayt's race car and his fast-paced, transient lifestyle represent speed, freedom, and the embrace of risk. In contrast, Lillian's initial confinement in the sanatorium and her declining health symbolize stasis, confinement, and the slow, inevitable march toward death. Their relationship bridges these two extremes, as Lillian seeks to accelerate her life experiences, while Clerfayt learns to slow down emotionally. This symbolic contrast highlights their different approaches to mortality and their shared desire to live fully within their respective constraints, ultimately converging in their shared tragedy.

The Journey Motif

A physical and emotional journey across Europe.

The physical journey across Europe, from the Swiss Alps to Paris and Venice, serves as a crucial motif. It mirrors Lillian's emotional journey from confinement to freedom, and her quest to experience life's pleasures before her death. Each city provides a distinct backdrop for the evolution of her relationship with Clerfayt and her own self-discovery. The journey is not merely about sightseeing; it is an active defiance of her illness, a desperate attempt to outrun death by embracing movement and new experiences. This motif emphasizes the fleeting nature of their time together and the urgency of their pursuit of life.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What illness does Lillian suffer from?

    1. Tuberculosis
    2. Consumption
    3. Pneumonia
    4. Cancer
    Show answer

    B. Consumption The book explicitly states Lillian is 'slowly dying of consumption'.

  2. Question 2

    What is Clerfayt's profession?

    1. Pilot
    2. Doctor
    3. Race-car driver
    4. Writer
    Show answer

    C. Race-car driver The summary states Clerfayt is 'a race-car driver'.

  3. Question 3

    What is the primary setting for Lillian's desire to live frivolously?

    1. A hospital in the Alps
    2. A small village in Germany
    3. Paris and Venice
    4. The battlefields of World War I
    Show answer

    C. Paris and Venice Lillian wants to 'see Paris again, then Venice—to live frivolously'.

  4. Question 4

    What is the central conflict that arises between Lillian and Clerfayt?

    1. Their differing views on religion
    2. One of them begins to fall in love
    3. Cl দক্ষতাfayt's gambling debts
    4. Lillian's family disapproves of Clerfayt
    Show answer

    B. One of them begins to fall in love The summary concludes with 'It’s a perfect arrangement—until one of them begins to fall in love.'

  5. Question 5

    What characteristic does Clerfayt find compelling about Lillian?

    1. Her stoic acceptance of her fate
    2. Her desire to settle down and find peace
    3. Her ability to face death with defiance
    4. Her wealth and social standing
    Show answer

    C. Her ability to face death with defiance Clerfayt is 'powerfully drawn to a woman who can look death in the eye and laugh'.

  6. Question 6

    What is the overarching theme of Lillian and Clerfayt's initial arrangement?

    1. Planning for a secure future
    2. Living only for the moment
    3. Seeking societal approval
    4. Building a stable family life
    Show answer

    B. Living only for the moment They are described as 'living only for the moment, without regard for the future.'

  7. Question 7

    What does the phrase 'tempts fate' suggest about Clerfayt?

    1. He is overly cautious and avoids risks.
    2. He is reckless and takes significant risks.
    3. He believes in destiny and accepts his path.
    4. He is seeking divine intervention.
    Show answer

    B. He is reckless and takes significant risks. To 'tempt fate' means to act recklessly and take chances, which aligns with his profession as a race-car driver.

  8. Question 8

    The novel is described as a 'bittersweet story'. What does this imply about the overall tone or outcome?

    1. It is a purely tragic and depressing tale.
    2. It is a lighthearted and comedic romance.
    3. It combines elements of sadness and happiness.
    4. It is an objective historical account with no emotional depth.
    Show answer

    C. It combines elements of sadness and happiness. Bittersweet signifies a mixture of pleasant and unpleasant aspects, suggesting a story with both joy and sorrow.

  9. Question 9

    Considering the author and the context of 'All Quiet on the Western Front', what might be a deeper thematic undercurrent in 'Heaven Has No Favorites'?

    1. The inevitability of war and its consequences.
    2. The fragility of life and the search for meaning in its face.
    3. The critique of societal norms and conventions.
    4. The triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
    Show answer

    B. The fragility of life and the search for meaning in its face. Remarque is known for exploring the human condition amidst hardship. Given Lillian's illness and Clerfayt's dangerous profession, the themes of life's fragility, finding meaning, and challenging societal expectations are likely present, especially as they live outside conventional norms. The triumph of the human spirit is also a common theme in his work.

  10. Question 10

    The phrase 'a man with no illusions about chance' implies Clerfayt's perspective on life is:

    1. Optimistic and hopeful about future outcomes.
    2. Fatalistic and accepting of predetermined events.
    3. Pragmatic and aware of the unpredictable nature of life.
    4. Spiritual and believing in divine intervention.
    Show answer

    C. Pragmatic and aware of the unpredictable nature of life. Having 'no illusions about chance' means he understands that outcomes are not guaranteed and are subject to random events, suggesting a realistic or pragmatic view rather than blind optimism or pure fatalism.

Heaven Has No Favorites FAQ

What is 'Heaven Has No Favorites' about?

'Heaven Has No Favorites' is a bittersweet story of unconventional love between Lillian, a charming woman dying of consumption, and Clerfayt, a daring race-car driver. They choose to live life to the fullest in the moment, defying death and societal norms, until their feelings for each other complicate their arrangement.

Who wrote 'Heaven Has No Favorites'?

The novel 'Heaven Has No Favorites' was written by Erich Maria Remarque, who is also famous for his classic anti-war novel 'All Quiet on the Western Front'.

What is the main conflict in 'Heaven Has No Favorites'?

The central conflict arises when Lillian and Clerfayt, who have agreed to live only for the moment without regard for the future, begin to develop genuine romantic feelings for each other. This emotional connection challenges their pact to avoid commitment and future implications.

What is consumption in the context of the book?

In the context of 'Heaven Has No Favorites', consumption refers to tuberculosis, a serious and often fatal infectious disease that was prevalent in the early to mid-20th century. It is the illness that Lillian is suffering from.

How does Lillian's illness affect her outlook on life?

Lillian's terminal illness, consumption, makes her determined to live her remaining time to the fullest. Instead of accepting a quiet, institutionalized end, she desires to experience life's pleasures and travel, looking death in the eye with defiance.

What is the relationship between Lillian and Clerfayt?

Lillian and Clerfayt share an unconventional and passionate relationship. They are drawn to each other's boldness in the face of death and agree to live impulsively, focusing only on the present moment without future expectations.

Is 'Heaven Has No Favorites' a sad book?

While the novel deals with themes of death and loss due to Lillian's illness, it is also described as a bittersweet story. It focuses on the intensity of living and loving in the present, offering moments of joy and passion alongside the underlying tragedy.

What is the setting of 'Heaven Has No Favorites'?

The story sweeps across Europe, with significant settings including the Alps, Paris, and Venice. These locations represent different stages of Lillian and Clerfayt's journey, from Lillian's initial retreat to their pursuit of vibrant experiences.

What does the title 'Heaven Has No Favorites' imply?

The title suggests that fate or a higher power does not play favorites, implying that death and hardship can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances or desires. It hints at the impartiality of life's challenges and the unpredictable nature of destiny.

What kind of message does the book convey about life and love?

The book conveys a message about the intensity of living fully in the present and the power of love, even in the face of mortality. It explores the idea that true living and deep connection can arise from embracing life's fleeting moments.

About the author

Erich Maria Remarque

Erich Maria Remarque

Erich Maria Remarque was a German-born novelist. His landmark novel All Quiet on the Western Front (1928), based on his experience in the Imperial German Army during World War I, was an international bestseller which created a new literary genre, and was adapted to film several times. Remarque's anti-war themes led to his condemnation by Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels as "unpatriotic". He was able to use his literary success to relocate to Switzerland and the United States, where he became a naturalized citizen.

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