The Fiction of Ayn Rand

We the Living is Ayn Rand's first attempt at exploring her objectivist thoery, set against the backdrop of a communalist/socialist state. Unlike her subsequent works The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, this novel explores the fates of Rand's objectivist characters against the backdrop of state-supported communism.

Powerful, and a sweeping statement about the conditions under which communism and objective realism flourish, the book is an impressive introduction to Rand's philosophy. Written in an era of political upheaval, it stands as part personal experience, part political philosophy and a novel in its own right.

While Rand's subsequent works stand as tribute to the spirit of man under her philosophy, the book tells an all-too-relatable tale of conflict between the will of others and the will of one's self, and the inevitable outcome of a political system which demands submission.

This book was truly a fun one to read. The strange society that the characters live in and the odd grammar that the main character possesses makes one wonder what it would be like to be in a society that isn't truly free like one of the United States or Britain. It was a great learning experience for me as well as something that makes me more appreciative for what I have as an American citizen.

Rand's Atlas Shrugged is better known (and truth to told, better written), but this first full-length book by Ayn Rand provides a good introduction to her philosophy of objectivism through the model of a heroic young architect.

Throughout history there have been people who have, through pure genius and hard work, moved mankind beyond its limits. Like Atlas, who carried the world on his shoulders, most of these people lived (and died) unappreciated. But where would we be without them? What would we do if our indifference caused them to stop trying? What if our ingratitude caused them to leave us to our own devices?

"Atlas Shrugged" will at different moments leave you feeling confused, disturbed, empowered, powerless, skeptical, and even, for a few pages, bored. But through it all, it will have you fascinated, challenging what you thought you knew about human nature, and maybe even re-examining your stand on many issues.

Not a book I would recommend taking to a tropical beach, but a great read for the student of human nature, the soul searcher in every reader.