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heathergstl's review against another edition
2.0
I would have liked a richer, fuller telling of this story. I was disappointed with the writing style, the poor character development, among other things. This could have been a grand epic....but it wasn't.
goodyeargoodbooks's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
REVIEW NOTES (Taken from my review at https://emdoesbookreviews.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/bite-size-corner-anthem-by-ayn-rand/ ):
PROS
- I loved the plot - a typical yet always satisfying dystopian; finding individuality in a world where everything is collectivised.
- Anti-communist. I am intrigued by texts based around the principles of Communism (both pro and anti) and so this one felt like a must read. Shows author's strong political views, which always interests me.
- Despite confusion (see later) I did love the narrative device of using 'we' as a substitute for 'I'
- Part Eleven (no spoilers) was brilliant. I found so many new stand-out quotes in this chapter, and I found it rather empowering at times.
- Feels timeless. Whilst we know it is set in the future (or assume so?) it could just have easily been set in the early days of Communism, in the 1930s (when it was written) or indeed in certain instances in modern day. Its messages are universal.
- I am a fan of variants on the Prometheus tale, which glimpsed through a little bit here. Generally, the scientific enlightenment vs. traditional candles conflict was strong.
CONS
- The 'we' narrative can become impossible to follow, especially during conversation with the Golden One. A brilliant idea that maybe doesn't work as well in practice.
- The protagonist is unbelievably arrogant. Unsurprising that it is this character who feels a pull towards the concept of individualism, as there is something extremely selfish about him and his views.
- While I adore the plot, this novella is only 50 pages, and it was overly ambitious to try and work it all in. I happily would have continued it had it been longer, and used the full scope the plot allowed for.
- Whilst very enjoyable, it is nothing you will not be able to find in other favoured dystopians (although admittedly in some cases such as 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' by Orwell, you are likely to see these ideas in that novel as this story is believed to have been an influence on Orwell). There are also close parallels with a personal favourite of mine, 'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin. There is not all that much in here that I loved that was not present in 'We', except for the eccentric narrative.
- With such a strong penultimate chapter in the form of Part Eleven, the concluding Part Twelve did not feel as powerful. It would have been better to incorporate the story of discovering the forbidden word either before or at the beginning of Part Eleven, or just finishing after Part Eleven. Part Eleven had a natural end point, and I actually thought after reading it that that was the end of the novella.
REVIEW NOTES (Taken from my review at https://emdoesbookreviews.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/bite-size-corner-anthem-by-ayn-rand/ ):
PROS
- I loved the plot - a typical yet always satisfying dystopian; finding individuality in a world where everything is collectivised.
- Anti-communist. I am intrigued by texts based around the principles of Communism (both pro and anti) and so this one felt like a must read. Shows author's strong political views, which always interests me.
- Despite confusion (see later) I did love the narrative device of using 'we' as a substitute for 'I'
- Part Eleven (no spoilers) was brilliant. I found so many new stand-out quotes in this chapter, and I found it rather empowering at times.
- Feels timeless. Whilst we know it is set in the future (or assume so?) it could just have easily been set in the early days of Communism, in the 1930s (when it was written) or indeed in certain instances in modern day. Its messages are universal.
- I am a fan of variants on the Prometheus tale, which glimpsed through a little bit here. Generally, the scientific enlightenment vs. traditional candles conflict was strong.
CONS
- The 'we' narrative can become impossible to follow, especially during conversation with the Golden One. A brilliant idea that maybe doesn't work as well in practice.
- The protagonist is unbelievably arrogant. Unsurprising that it is this character who feels a pull towards the concept of individualism, as there is something extremely selfish about him and his views.
- While I adore the plot, this novella is only 50 pages, and it was overly ambitious to try and work it all in. I happily would have continued it had it been longer, and used the full scope the plot allowed for.
- Whilst very enjoyable, it is nothing you will not be able to find in other favoured dystopians (although admittedly in some cases such as 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' by Orwell, you are likely to see these ideas in that novel as this story is believed to have been an influence on Orwell). There are also close parallels with a personal favourite of mine, 'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin. There is not all that much in here that I loved that was not present in 'We', except for the eccentric narrative.
- With such a strong penultimate chapter in the form of Part Eleven, the concluding Part Twelve did not feel as powerful. It would have been better to incorporate the story of discovering the forbidden word either before or at the beginning of Part Eleven, or just finishing after Part Eleven. Part Eleven had a natural end point, and I actually thought after reading it that that was the end of the novella.
agammill's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lanes100's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
meanypanini's review against another edition
5.0
Whereas [b:1984|57502604|1984|George Orwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616476203l/57502604._SY75_.jpg|153313] was a pessimistic world, Anthem gave a hopeful view of a dark world. Even though it can be viewed as unrealistic, the appreciate the themes of language and individuality.
csmith16's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Sorry, Anthem lovers, I do not share your love. I almost stopped mid book.
elinorprodger's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lillycarroll_'s review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
jsilverman84's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun if not dogmatic read. As with The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, this book inspires you to create and find your own path. And, as with Ayn Rand's other works, much is lost in Rand's fantastical concept of extreme individualism. This book is worth reading alongside more realistic accounts of how great acts are accomplished.