The Anthem by Ayn Rand
I have been reading a lot of sensible books of late and recently, I happened to lay my hands on “The Anthem” by Ayn Rand. If you thought I was going to do yet another review that says what the story is, you are gravely mistaken. I would rather emphasize on what i liked about the book and what intrigued me the most.
Ayn Rand is one of my most favorite authors in spite of the brainwashing words she uses in her books. In “The Anthem”, she carves her niche and casts her magic spell, as usual. In this thought-provoking novel , she presents her thought-stimulating philosophy “Objectivism”, in a lucid, straightforward manner which will not go unnoticed by the readers. ”The Anthem” is actually yet another unconventional story that depicts the protagonist’s impulse to stand against contemporary standards and to demolish collectivism. Whether he wins or not, forms the rest of the story.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK:
To put it frankly, I liked everything about the book. It’s short and crisp, leaving unwanted details and makes people think, like all Ayn Rand novels do. The most interesting aspects of the book, I personally loved are
#1 The usage of collective nouns throughout the book made me laugh out loud whenever I stumbled across one such noun. This idea intrigued me and still does. Who would imagine the idea of using collective nouns? Rand is awe-inspiring indeed!
#2 The names used in the book. Three Cheers to Rand just for the interesting, modernistic approach she has used throughout the novel.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK:
Honestly speaking, I liked everything about the book. There was not a single word that deviated from the central theme (Mind you, we are talking about an ace here). Well, perhaps in my subconscious mind, I still have a feeling that the book’s too small. But my mind constantly tells me it’s a subterfuge and that the book is in every way a successful one irrespective of its size.
THE JUDGMENT TIME
Though the book is controversial and has an unconventional philosophy running deep throughout its course, I still find the writing amusing and irrefutable. So, on a scale of ten, I give it 9.
Have you read “The Anthem”? If you have, what do you think about the book? Have your say! Let the Voices be heard!
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Rand is always worth a read. i liked Anthem a lot! Read Night of 16th Jan. it s a play.. i liked it even better.. We the living? it s her 1st book. may not be as gr8 as fountainhead or atlas.. bt the characterization of the protagonists- gr8! try reading her non-fiction works if u wanna know the Real Rand!
@Matangi, Thanks a bunch for the suggestions. I shall certainly read the above mentioned books. If not now, at least in the near future.I am waiting for my sem exams to get over , to read Atlas Shrugged.
You mean to say the philosophy as unconventional?? I disagree.. These people are following cynicism in their heart but dont show them in their faces and calling AynRand as unconventional.
Every individual acts based on “Whats in it me” and this little novel is a ratification for all those beleive in it.
I have read it ,, and now enjoying every moment of Atlas Shrugged where Anthems concept are extrapolated.
Dear Deepak,
I guess you are under the Ayn Rand influence. No, i know how hard it is not to become brainwashed after reading the book(s). I feel sorry for 99% of the people who adapt the dangerous philosophy without giving it a thought in detail. And yes, to me the philosophy is unconventional and brainwashing and if you will to call me a cynic, so be it!
I am very glad you have enjoyed the books by Ayn Rand. I never said i didn’t like Ayn Rand’s works. All i say is, her philosophy exacerbates things and makes people feel less confident. Well, no word of what i say will enter your brainwashed mind now. hmmmm
I intend to write a post on the ill-effects of following objectivism. I sincerely wish the readers of the book return to religion and not follow the dangerous philosophy!
After reading “Anthem” by Ayn Rand I was so inspired that I composed and produced a fully professional rock opera/musical of it.
@Drew –
Sir, what you have done is awe-inspiring! I wish you all success for your future endeavors!