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venji's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Not heavily but inspired by Rand's philosophy. This piece of work is simple and coarse. The ending feels a little hasty but not sour. Love the MC and the whole premise around them
sklus's review against another edition
2.0
Ayn Rand is literally the worst and I don't remember liking this book.
kyoreads's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
averyb1323's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
The ending sucked
bittersweet_symphony's review against another edition
4.0
Rand is able to overcome the grammatical challenge of writing first person singular as the first person plural (I becomes We). It powerfully drives home the burden and oppressive nature of collectivism. It is philosophically rich, but uses a simple narrative to avoid getting bogged down in straight argument. The narrative voice is likeable and never preachy.
For a dystopian novella, it ends on a hopeful note. Most dystopian novels that end with resolve require a large overhaul of society as a whole. Perhaps, to emphasize individualism, Rand only tells the story of two people as they break the chains of collectivism and discover the sacred word, "ego".
It convincingly shows the logical extremes of collectivism and trumpets a warning. If more individuals do not turn to themselves, the steps necessary to find truth manifest, society will continue to slide into the totalitarian state built on the false notions of forced equality for the "common good" that breed tyranny and mindless obedience.
For a dystopian novella, it ends on a hopeful note. Most dystopian novels that end with resolve require a large overhaul of society as a whole. Perhaps, to emphasize individualism, Rand only tells the story of two people as they break the chains of collectivism and discover the sacred word, "ego".
It convincingly shows the logical extremes of collectivism and trumpets a warning. If more individuals do not turn to themselves, the steps necessary to find truth manifest, society will continue to slide into the totalitarian state built on the false notions of forced equality for the "common good" that breed tyranny and mindless obedience.
snowreo's review
2.0
I genuinely feel as if I'm the only one who didn't enjoy this book? Obviously that's not the case but what can I say.
Don't get me wrong, this book is by no means poorly written; it has an excellent message and compelling characters. They learn about the truth of human identity and the importance in creative expression, as well as the strength found in individualism. Watching EQUALITY grow as a character was amazing.
My issue was just that I found myself getting very confused by the pronouns for a solid half of the book. It didn't click until I went back to reread. Additionally, I felt that it was very similar to Fahrenheit 451 and honestly, nothing compares to that book.
While this book wasn't bad, it wasn't my favorite either.
Don't get me wrong, this book is by no means poorly written; it has an excellent message and compelling characters. They learn about the truth of human identity and the importance in creative expression, as well as the strength found in individualism. Watching EQUALITY grow as a character was amazing.
My issue was just that I found myself getting very confused by the pronouns for a solid half of the book. It didn't click until I went back to reread. Additionally, I felt that it was very similar to Fahrenheit 451 and honestly, nothing compares to that book.
While this book wasn't bad, it wasn't my favorite either.