Reviews

This book was a struggle. It’s like a philosophical textbook sprinkled with a mediocre storyline, static characters, and a difficult to follow writing style.

I gave it 3 stars for the philosophical and moral lessons that can be gleaned from it, however, I would not recommend it as a fun fiction read.

johnlambrechts's review against another edition

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5.0

One of my favorites. You can think about any life issue and then try to apply the solution based on the numerous examples of life in this novel.

ayngoi18's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

lschwartz20's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

lobster_without_organs's review against another edition

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Shite. I use it as a doorstop

sadia_siddiqua's review against another edition

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informative slow-paced

4.0

eddie901's review against another edition

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5.0

I heard some guy on BBC Radio 4 the other day talking about Ayn Rand's work being 'bereft of ideas'. I think he worked for the NY Times. I was gob-smacked. Of all the criticisms you could make, surely this is the most unbelievable? I can only conclude that the guy is completely blinded by a dislike of her philosophy.

I absolutely loved this book. She expresses some ideas that I found very powerful. In particular, I loved the rhetorical monologues about the value of money, about why people sleep around, about how even seemingly powerful people allow themselves to become victims, about personal responsibility, about what is the nature of morality. She expresses many ideas which I would struggle to put into words with incredible eloquence.

I read various reviews on this site and, inevitably, they are pretty polarised. At least I know which side I'm on. Elitist? Sure. Judgemental? Naturally. And why fight nature? Apologetic? Unlikely.

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