Anthem

By: Ayn Rand

Narrated by: Paul Meier

Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Ayn Rand's classic best seller, Anthem, is the unforgettable tale of a nightmarish totalitarian future and the ultimate triumph of the individual spirit. First published in 1938, and often compared with Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World, this beautifully written story has introduced millions to Rand's provocative worldview.

Rand's Protagonist, Equality 7-2521, describes a surreal world of faceless, nameless drones who "exist through, by and for our brothers who are the State. Amen." Alone, this daring young man defies the will of the ruling councils and discovers the forbidden freedoms that prevailed during the Unmentionable Times. In other words, he finds and celebrates the power of the self. In doing so, he becomes the prototypical Rand hero, a bold risk-taker who shuns conformity and unabashedly embraces egoism.

This exciting dramatization features an electrifying performance by veteran actor and former BBC Drama Repertory Company member Paul Meier. It is certain to be the definitive recording of Anthem and a milestone in audio interpretation of literary classics.

Public Domain (P)2002 HighBridge Company

short Rand Read

Just finished reading this interesting novel....I think it may be shorter than some chapters in the last Rand Book I read...Atlas Shrugged...a little tedious until you get used to call sign type numeric names. I chilling tale warning about collectivism and the demonization of technology.

The power of I in a society of we

I enjoyed the perspective, The ideology of going from respect and appreciation for our individuality to a society centered on socialism is a special kind of dystopia. The end has a few monologues that while powerful were a tad distracting because of the change in tempo and pace but the story is very true to the authors style. I liked it.

Cliches Start Somewhere

This dystopian tale is a cliche, but the cliche came after Rand wrote this. This fast but insightful story is a warning against the evils of collectivism, and rings as true today as the day it was written.

Still Resonates

Any Rand’s powerful short story about the perils of totalitarian collectivism still resonates to this day. The states complete control of an individuals life course, the use of gender neutral language and the complete lack of personal autonomy shows the dangers of state overreach. The book was very well narrated. I preferred the first half to the second half.

meh

Nothing particularly new in dystopia and cringe narration with even cringier music sometimes. Just read Brave New World and 1984 and you've already read this.

Great Narration

This was so well narrated - gripping even - that my young children understood the underlying concept of the dangers of "We" and wanted to hear more.

Amazing

This is an amazing story, narrated in such a way to make it easy to understand and FEEL.

Perfect for FREE Thinkers

What other book might you compare Anthem to and why?

The Giver seems comparable to me as they were in a similar community that was living to function as a whole rather than an individual.

What about Paul Meier’s performance did you like?

Paul Meier has a great voice! He has some of the best inflection and carries so much emotion in his voice. He made the listening experience better by 10 fold.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I!

Any additional comments?

Recommended to all young entrepreneurs and thinkers. Use this to light a fire under you and take your ideas to the next step. This book is filled with so much inspiration to help build yourself up it is amazing.

Okay...

As short stories go this was a decent science fiction. It reminded me of the stories my classmates and I wrote in high school English class.

I loved the narration.

Would you listen to Anthem again? Why?

Yes! I would also let my kids hear the book . I could not stop hearing till the book was over.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Anthem?

The realization that each individual is different & special & collectivism is not the answer. Individual liberty & maximum freedom is the answer to the ills of our society today.

What about Paul Meier’s performance did you like?

I would buy more audible books if he is the narrator.