Anthem {February Book}
- Feb 20, 2017
- 2 min read
Anthem
By: Ayn Rand
Dystopia. Old School writing. Sticking it to the man.
If The Giver and Divergent had a baby, it would be Anthem. Although this novella was originally published in 1938, so maybe Anthem is the grandparent to The Giver and Divergent.
One of the things I loved about this book was the style of writing. It is not that this book was super challenging to read, but it was written in a way that really forced me to focus on the story. So often I find myself scanning a story or skipping details because I can predict the end of a sentence. This book made me really focus on what the author was trying to say. At times I had to read a sentence more than once to make sure I fully understood the point of a sentence. I appreciate this book making me actually slow down and savor a sentence.
Now, before you say "ain't nobody got time for that," hear me out. The reason I felt like I could spend so much time with this book was because it was a novella. I could have read this book in a day if I had wanted too, it is that short. Since it is so short it would be a good beach day book or day-by-the-fire book. Basically, if you're in the mood to read but do not want to commit to a full novel this book is for you.
"Our bodies is betraying us, for the Council of the Home looks with suspicion upon us. It is not good to feel too much joy not to be glad that our body lives. For we matter not and it just not matter to us whether we live or die, which is to be as our brothers will it. But we, Equality 7-2521, are glad to be living. If this a vice, then we wish no virtue."
Like I said earlier there are so many similar themes and variables that are similar to The Giver and Divergent. Collectivism to the extreme, lack of freedom, and the discouragement of emotions just to name a few. As a reader these types of books make me so thankful that I live in the United States where freedom is held in the highest regard. But it also sheds a light that not everyone might be granted these same rights.
The lead character, Equality 7-2521 (how depersonalizing, right?), struggles with living in the community and ultimately has to decide how to respond. It makes the reader contemplate how they might respond to the situation Equality 7-2521 is in. These are not easy decisions that are being made. I'm also just going to throw out there love might have something to do with it. Love always seems to have something to do with it, but I guess you will have to read it to find out for sure.
Have you read Anthem? What did you think of it?
You're a Gem,
<3 Elsie
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