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A review by bittersweet_symphony
Anthem by Ayn Rand
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.