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acsaper's review against another edition
4.0
Another December of Ayn Rand. . .yes.
I don't know if it helps coming from the dry an impersonal texts of law school, or whether the anticipation built up waiting for this self-prescribed end-of-the-year treat creates such a yearning for a good read, but either way, Ms. Rand delivers on another one here!
We the Living tugs at the emotions throughout. I feared my deep distaste for historical novels would turn me off to a story set in (seemingly ancient) Soviet Russia. Kira however drew me in to her life, her challenges and her resilience. While the forward makes it known that Rand did not intend to breath life to Kira as an autobiographical figure, her convictions and ideals are so strong that one cannot help but recognize they must reflect that buried deep within the author.
Love, longing, and loyalty guide the characters through a treacherous political and social landscape where individuals are rewarded not for their critical thought but for the blind convictions to an ever shifting non-existent set of ideals. Those that stand against this wind face the threat of falling, breaking or holding fast until they can stand no longer.
An exciting and moving read that help to pull me back as I teetered on the brink of questioning whether I'll ever again have time to explore such other worlds, challenging my own as I reflect on those created, or questioned, by others.
I don't know if it helps coming from the dry an impersonal texts of law school, or whether the anticipation built up waiting for this self-prescribed end-of-the-year treat creates such a yearning for a good read, but either way, Ms. Rand delivers on another one here!
We the Living tugs at the emotions throughout. I feared my deep distaste for historical novels would turn me off to a story set in (seemingly ancient) Soviet Russia. Kira however drew me in to her life, her challenges and her resilience. While the forward makes it known that Rand did not intend to breath life to Kira as an autobiographical figure, her convictions and ideals are so strong that one cannot help but recognize they must reflect that buried deep within the author.
Love, longing, and loyalty guide the characters through a treacherous political and social landscape where individuals are rewarded not for their critical thought but for the blind convictions to an ever shifting non-existent set of ideals. Those that stand against this wind face the threat of falling, breaking or holding fast until they can stand no longer.
An exciting and moving read that help to pull me back as I teetered on the brink of questioning whether I'll ever again have time to explore such other worlds, challenging my own as I reflect on those created, or questioned, by others.
rj_owen's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book about communist Russia that I have ever read and I did not know very much about it to be honest. It was quite informative and interesting.
The story itself was quite good albeit extremely long-winded in my opinion. One of the most thrilling love stories I've ever read.
The story itself was quite good albeit extremely long-winded in my opinion. One of the most thrilling love stories I've ever read.
soffeg6's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hecaldwell's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so harrowing. Brilliantly written, it made me feel all sorts of emotions.
ashnarahim's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A brilliant and must read. The writing, character development, the plot, and most importantly the relevance of this novel in today’s day and time - is what made me love this book.
thayawar's review against another edition
4.0
I know Ayn Rand has some v bad views and politics etc but this book is so well written and so harrowing I wanted to puke several times and I did cry many times. It’s a men are trash Soviet revolution edition..
a_kostuik's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
mkmullis010's review against another edition
5.0
I've found you either love Ayn Rand's books or you hate them. They are a way into a perspective that you may have never thought of otherwise. This one is definitely one of my favorite books. It is sad and gut-wrenching yet also uplifting. Read it if you like her other books.
maria_sevlievska's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Every time I read a book, I secretly hope it will give me the mix of philosophy / history / character drama that Huxley's Brave New World offers. This time, it did.
Ayn Rand's writing is exceptional and this book so accurately captures the war between the individual and the collective, within the Russian Revolution and beyond. The temperament of the characters is relatable, powerful and understated.
Definitely a top 5 book for me. I can't wait to read The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.
Ayn Rand's writing is exceptional and this book so accurately captures the war between the individual and the collective, within the Russian Revolution and beyond. The temperament of the characters is relatable, powerful and understated.
Definitely a top 5 book for me. I can't wait to read The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.