The Fountainhead - A must read

Ayn Rand takes you to a timeless world through the Fountain Head. Descriptive narration and apt choice of words makes the reader visualize the scene with specifics. The physical attributes of the characters are so clear to the reader that the one can actually imagine the characters. The writing is simple yet powerful.Though the book was written in 1943, it still can be easily related by today's intellect.

The plot revolves around the concept of belief -the belief of common man kind vs. that of powerful men. Men who are powerful not by virtue of wealth but by the possession of ideas. The novel hints towards a revolution much needed in our society. Ayn in a very transparent manner has written about the struggle of two men. One who is firm on his beliefs and refuses to compromise with anything under any circumstances. The other whose very existence is because of others, he lives life according to everyone and anyone’s wish. He has only one purpose in his life which is to gain respect in the eyes of others. It is through these two men that Ayn has succeeded in demonstrating the inertia faced by men with new ideas. Ideas to which mankind is not exposed to and hence are not accepted.

These two men are the central characters of the novel, however in the later part of the novel, equally strong characters are introduced. Amidst such crisis of beliefs and identity, Ayn has also managed to sprinkle a fine blend of love and friendship. Friendship between men of power who have nothing in common,but the zest to live life in their own terms. Love for which one sacrifices one’s soul as it is easier to live as a zombie than to live as a witness to the pain of ones loved ones.Just as each of the sub plots are over and the reader begins to be sure that the story has come to a dead end he is thrown surprised by the introduction of a new character who brings an interesting perceptive creating suspense in the novel.

The books leaves a feeling of satisfaction at the end, as love and belief both stand upright as clear winners. A must read for those who enjoy the combination of suspense with food for thought.
I leave you with a quotation from the book -


‎"I do not recognize anyone's right to one minute of my life.Nor to any part of my energy .Nor to any achievement of mine.No matter who makes the claim,how large their number or how great their need!" - The Fountainhead by Aryn Rand