Review of We the Living by Ayn Rand

In her debut novel, Ayn Rand has penned a masterpiece of literature simply titled, We the Living. The novel likely did more to weaken the early foundations of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) than any waving of guns or thumping of politicians’ chests. This is why.

A Deep Dive into We the Living

Published in 1936, We the Living has it all—intrigue, one of the strongest female characters ever created in literature, and a tight plot that will leave readers guessing until the end. I won’t give anything away, but let’s just say that it is a classic love tragedy.

Characterization and Narrative Style

The novel's only minor annoyance is the frequent calling of characters' names when it is clear who is speaking. Ayn Rand also uses the first and last names of the characters much too often. Again, this is a minor annoyance that does not detract significantly from the story.

Ayn Rand stated that it was “as near to an autobiography as I will ever write.” The author had fled Russia ten years earlier, in 1926. What is amazing is her command of the English language in the novel. I found very few mistakes in grammar or turns of phrase. Her writing career is sandwiched between the novels of Tolstoy and Nabokov, two other great Russian writers who left their mark on literature.

A Condemning Portrayal of the U.S.S.R.

We the Living is a condemning portrayal of the U.S.S.R. from the belly of the beast. It wastes no time blowing holes in the confining foundations of a doomed Marxist-Leninist regime. The stark realities depicted in the novel resonate with readers, making them reflect on the implications of such a system.

The Philosophy of Objectivism

Since this is Ayn Rand’s first novel, it is where she began fleshing out—in a fictional manner—the constructs of her philosophy of living called Objectivism. This philosophy purports that each person should live according to what is best for their particular life and well-being. This may cause you to set down your burrito and say, “Hold the hot sauce, that sounds like humanism.” Yes, it does in many ways.

The main difference, from my perspective, is that a humanist relies on other humanists to reach the ultimate (albeit very selfish) state of being. Think of it as crowd-sourced happiness. An objectivist, on the other hand, relies on no one but themselves to reach their ultimate state of happiness and enjoyment.

The Importance of We the Living

Regardless, your objective should be to get to a library or bookstore and grab a copy of We the Living. It is not to be missed. The themes explored in this novel are timeless and resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of societal expectations. The struggle for individuality and freedom is a central theme that continues to be relevant today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, We the Living is more than just a novel; it is a profound exploration of the human spirit against the backdrop of a repressive regime. Ayn Rand's insights into the nature of freedom and individuality challenge us to reflect on our own lives and the systems we live within. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in classic literature, philosophy, or the human condition.

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