Anthem

By: Ayn Rand

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

This gripping tale of the future anticipates Ayn Rand's later masterpieces, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. In the dark ages of the future, individuals have no name, no independence, and no values. In this faceless world, one man dares to love the woman of his choice and to seek and find knowledge.

Public Domain (P)1997 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Listen to this book!

Most people will be able to finish it within one or two days commute time.

It's a tiny, beautiful gem of a piece. Rand's off his or edited lyricism is in full, youthful force. Listening to the blossoming of objectivism is truly worth the few hours of your time.

An Anthem for the Rand Fan

While not as epic as Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead, Anthem provides overt insight into the philosophical development of a person's ego. The action is slow, and the arc of the story not strong, so only readers with attachment to the underlying philosophy of the novel are likely to be satisfied. However, the introduction of the word "I" to the vocabulary of the characters is an iconic conceptual device that defines the work, and the author’s objections to the tyranny of society.

Compassionate self- reliance

The narrator has A clear voice. His voice is very much like the concepts and theories posits fourth. How is it possible to compassionately uplift the poor, yet flourish myself as an individual?

Short and Sweet

Anthem (another great title from Rand) has a singular message and it gets right to the point. While the reader is a bit lugubrious, the tale is worth hearing. I would suggest that anyone wanting to listen does not read much about the story as there is a turning point within that loses impact if you know too much. The story is about discovery in a bleak future and it is a clear precursor to "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged." Like with all of Ayn Rand's books, the reader is cautioned to think hard about her politics. They are well thought-out, attractive, but sometimes dangerous. Decide for yourself man's roll in this world!

Powerful

If you could sum up Anthem in three words, what would they be?

1 Powerful2 Telling3 Frightful

What did you like best about this story?

A wonderful and discriptive view into the future of a society headed down an all too familiar path.Ayn Rand must have enlisted the help of a crystal ball considering when the book was writen, the insight as with all of her books is remarkable. It's very apparent that many authors today have been influenced by her phylosophy.

Have you listened to any of Christopher Lane’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't recall having heard any previous performances but to sum it up in two words, First class.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Lets call it a page turner.

Any additional comments?

I wish it were in the form of a more lengthy novel. I found myself wanting more, even though the story, not to mention the point was satisfied.

Anthem is an often re-listen

Anthem is one of the most beautiful novellas that I have ever read or heard. Reading the novella, you can feel the struggle, the turmoil, and the character growth. Listening to the novella, the beauty and the near poetry come forward. I found myself backspacing often, just to re-enjoy the power and the beauty of particular sections. This novella will be an often re-listen!

Mary Shelly said it first, and better

It is wonderful to have a book read to you while you drive, or relax, or go about your business. I like the book and it was a very nice dystopian tale, but I much prefer the gothic tale, Frankenstein. Less political, but equally liberal, it is unique, and full of beauty and mystery.

The catalyst between Atlas and Fountainhead

Any additional comments?

This book is the catalyst or connection between Atlas and Fountainhead. It serves as a continual thought between the two novels. Albeit a short read, the hero in the story is the greatest form of human dignity and triumph. The Anthem is more a sunrise than a musical triumph. As you travel in this story towards the end, you become enlightened. The exaggerated light bulb over the head of cartoon characters at the "ah hah" moment
.

I enjoy the way Mrs. Rand presents the hero and his travel to become himself. In this way, the reader also realizes who they are. A is A.

This is a view on how Russia was

What made the experience of listening to Anthem the most enjoyable?

That I could get through it much faster than I could read it. I was able to listen to it at work while working.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Anthem?

When you realize that the perfect society is any closed minded society that says everything should come from central planning like Russia and what the US is leaning back towards.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I did anyways.

Any additional comments?

To me this book is meant as a warning not to control everything and at the same time don't let everything get out of control.

Anthem

Compelling. This is one of my favorite stories, contains a strong message. You will find yourself listening to Rand's story again and again. I find other Ayn Rand's writings a bit long, this one is very much to the point. Other favorite titles: Starship Troopers, Dealers of Lighting, Second Coming of Steve Jobs and Snow Crash.