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Anthem Audiobook
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(3.72) - 29 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Ayn Rand's classic bestseller, 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.
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"This was my first experience with Ayn Rand. I loved it. I'm glad I listened to the introductory material before the book, it really helped prepare me with some good background information. And the history of the book is really interesting. It was really interesting to read/think about a society without the word "I". And for such a short book the characters were really compelling. I can't believe how much she packed into such a short piece of writing. I can't wait to read more of her work (although I am fully aware that Anthem is not typical of her style in general). If you didn't like 1984 you may like Anthem better, but maybe not."
— Kayce (5 out of 5 stars)
Anthem Listener Reviews
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" The book I read was Anthem by Ayn Rand. Equality 7-2521 lives in the dark ages of the future where all decisions are made by committee, all people live in collectives, and all traces of individualism have been wiped out. The youth Equality 7-2521, he has found a hidden tunnel and hides in it to write. Even though he does not feel guilt for writing, because it is against the law, he still begs for forgiveness. As he spends more time alone, he realizes that solitude suits him, and he begins to crave more and more times by himself When the council of vocations assigned him to be a street sweeper instead of a scholar, he was pleased because it meant he could atone for the sins he had committed. The characters consist of Equality 7-2521, Te Golden one, The transgressor of the Unspeakable Word, International 4-8818, and collective 0-0009. Some one who enjoys books that has a little bit of a mystery and enjoy books that have to do with history would enjoy this book, Anthem. "
— Colby, 2/9/2014 -
" Very short and interesting. Reminds me of 'the Giver'. "
— Kc, 2/9/2014 -
" While I don't agree with Rand's perception of Socialism or her ideology, she wrote a good sci-fi dystopian story here. "
— Trevor, 2/7/2014 -
" A short but truly enjoyable read. It mixes some elements of fantasy/distopia and reminds me of the giver. "
— Stephen, 2/3/2014 -
" This is my favourite book by far of Ayn Rand's. I had to read it for grade 12 english (more than 25 years ago) I read it 3 times before most of my class got through it once. I have read it a few more times over the years and enjoy it every time. "
— Shelley, 1/21/2014 -
" I enjoyed the first 3/4. "
— Richard, 1/18/2014 -
" Deindividuation is the saddest thing in the world. "
— Shahd, 12/31/2013 -
" It was okay I guess. It was really short and I just don't understand why it was written. It didn't really have an interesting plot either. "
— Hayley, 12/14/2013 -
" It's so sad the United States is heading in the direction of the story Ayn Rand depicts in book... "
— Don, 12/9/2013 -
" I'm glad I took the advice to read this novel. I loved it! A fast read and so incredible! "
— Melissa, 12/5/2013 -
" I loved this book. It was simple and put it's point across. Accepted , Ayn Rand is sort of an 'oddity' but the fact is that I couldn't asked for a better interpretation of a 'collective' society .Period. Short and clear. "
— Kameswari, 12/5/2013 -
" The beginning was much better than the end in my opinion. "
— Jazmine, 12/4/2013 -
" I picked this book up used for $1. Many people praise Ayn Rand so I thought I would give her a try. The story was not very good and the philosophy behind it was high school level at best. Really disappointing. "
— Todd, 11/13/2013 -
" Seventy pages of adolescent whinging masquerading as philosophy. "
— Stelhan, 10/1/2013 -
" I personally think that we all should read this book from time to time to remember what is important in our lives. I have enjoyed reading it and I recommend it to everyone! "
— Ardent, 2/5/2013 -
" This Book Wasnt All That Interesting Too Me. I Kept Getting Confused With The Whole We Instead Of I Thing . I Think If I Read It Again I Will Probably Get Into It . But As Of Now Im Not So Hot About It . "
— D'Ante, 9/24/2012 -
" Easy Read but somehow could not quite get into the book. "
— Neeta, 9/14/2012 -
" this was a good book it had a good story line and was easily compared to the giver "
— Katrina, 9/10/2012 -
" Could not put this book down!! "
— Christine, 3/10/2012 -
" I didn't like this book because it was boring. "
— Emily, 12/5/2011 -
" As with all Ayn Rand writing the still waters always run deep. This very short read delivers a wallop of a punch that, at times, in an overstated way, conveys a message that all people form every country, particularly the United States, need to hear. "
— Allan, 8/18/2011 -
" It's a great idea to touch upon. However, something is missing and wanting in this story. It didn't touch me the way I expected it to. "
— Irina, 6/28/2011 -
" One of the best books I've ever read! "
— Emma, 6/28/2011 -
" Ayn Rand blew my mind with this. Confusing at first, but impacting by the end. "
— Jess, 6/27/2011 -
" Compelling and compact. I was sad to see this one end when it did. "
— Rebecca, 6/24/2011 -
" I don't understand why there are so many bad reviews for this, it's a far cry from the horrors of the Twilight saga. I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book, it's not the best book ever, but it definitely isn't what the rest of you make it to be. "
— Jessica, 6/17/2011 -
" Other than the clipped ending, I thought the book was great! I imagine myself rewritting her ending over and over so that it would be perfect. "
— Anna, 6/16/2011 -
" Maybe, if we hadn't expected so much from our first reading of Ayn Rand, we would not have been so disappointed. We're not sure, though. We don't much like being preached at, by anythem. <br/> <br/>Heh. "
— Chy, 6/15/2011
About Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was born in Russia, graduated from the University of Leningrad, and came to the United States in 1926. She published her first novel in 1936. With the publication of The Fountainhead in 1943, she achieved a spectacular and enduring success, and her unique philosophy, Objectivism, gained a worldwide following.
About Paul Meier
Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was born in Russia, graduated from the University of Leningrad, and came to the United States in 1926. She published her first novel in 1936. With the publication of The Fountainhead in 1943, she achieved a spectacular and enduring success, and her unique philosophy, Objectivism, gained a worldwide following.