The Fountainhead By: Ayn Rand

Time spent reading: 21hrs.

I have never in my life come across people with strong opposite reactions and takes on books more than on this one. I did a bit of research on the writer and came across a stubborn, highly intelligent women who knew she was right and did not care what others thought about it. After reading a couple of her interviews, I had to read her work myself to have a taste of her best work

Short Summary:

Published first in 1943, this classic from Ayn Rand has been read and reviewed by far better intellectuals that I would ever dream to be. This is a story about two different ideologies: Individualism vs Collectivism not just in society but in man’s very being. The story revolve around Howard Roark a head strong, brilliant architect who from a very early age believed in himself, his work and was unwilling to compromise on anything or anyone and Peter Keating, the blue eyed boy of society, the one who has little talent but is willing to bend to the will of others not because he agrees with them but because he would rather not offend anyone.

My review

It is highly inappropriate that a novice writer like me should give my view on such a classic, the very act to me making an attempt at it is a tribute to the various great writers that I have the pleasure of reading. To be honest once I started with the book, I realized that this was writing a little above my reading level. I was not overwhelmed by the words used or anything like that, what intimidated me was the seriousness and the quality of the content. The biggest eye opener for me though was the detailing, when a room was introduced for example, I as a reader knew every detail in the room, every mood every emotion was to the point and precise.

Every character introduced had a purpose there is no comic relief, no excess, infact its very cut and dry and lacks any romantism. A true tribute to the specific writing style of Ayn Rand. To add it all up, the book Is like a home cooked meal: well done, healthy, filling but lacking any garnishing any flair. This book will not set your brain on fire but through its dull, systematic and ‘grey’ story line you will come of the experience a thinking man.

My take

I am all for freedom of expression and the writers RIGHT to say what they want in their work. I was very disturbed by one incident where the hero has his way with his love interest. The worst part was the writer goes on to right that the incident only made the heroin feel like the man knew what he wanted and she admired that in him. I know the time was the 40’s and women were treated as second class citizens, but what is wrong Is wrong and should not be tolerated or promoted in any decade or century.