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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 against another edition
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.
currents_convulsive's review against another edition
4.0
Whoops forgot to add my progress
It's a pretty good one imo
It's a pretty good one imo
sportula's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
doods's review against another edition
4.0
A man discovers selfishness and boy is he cheesed about it.
This is my first Rand book and boy I see why people like this. Super well written and it flows really nicely. I wasent bored for a moment while reading this. The content of the speeches are not something I agree with but I cant deny how well written it is. The word is an extreme example of sharing and caring your your fellow man. Treating this not like the criticism of socialism that it is and more so as a wacky what if made this story super fun.
As a criticism of socialism its as if a child came up with this understanding of the belief system. Just a ridiculous display of the extremes. Where of course anything in its extremes is a bad thing.
Anyway super fun honestly. Just not something to derive more than token appreciation from for me
This is my first Rand book and boy I see why people like this. Super well written and it flows really nicely. I wasent bored for a moment while reading this. The content of the speeches are not something I agree with but I cant deny how well written it is. The word is an extreme example of sharing and caring your your fellow man. Treating this not like the criticism of socialism that it is and more so as a wacky what if made this story super fun.
As a criticism of socialism its as if a child came up with this understanding of the belief system. Just a ridiculous display of the extremes. Where of course anything in its extremes is a bad thing.
Anyway super fun honestly. Just not something to derive more than token appreciation from for me
bridgettearmi's review against another edition
challenging
informative
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? No
4.0
I love sci-fi and a good political commentary. This was thought-provoking and I really enjoyed a lot of the lines and specks of wisdom. I do take major issue with the man “naming” the woman at the end (major eye roll) but otherwise it was wonderful!
sucrose11's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
hairyfrogs's review against another edition
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
eggjen's review against another edition
3.0
If you're looking for a classic book that is also a quick read, Anthem is a great choice, I blew threw it in two sittings. I'm not sure that I'd say I enjoyed this book, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it either. It's an interesting concept, with an interesting writing style - but that writing style borders on tedious and dystopian novels at this point are almost a dime a dozen. Still, I'm glad to finally be able to say I've read this book.