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We the Living Audiobook
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Publisher Description
We the Living portrays the impact of the Russian Revolution on three people who demand the right to live their own lives. At its center is a girl whose passionate love is her fortress against the cruelty and oppression of a totalitarian state.
Of this book, Ayn Rand said, “it is as near to an autobiography as I will ever write. The plot is invented, the background is not. I was born in Russia, I was educated under the Soviets; I have seen the conditions of existence that I describe. The specific events of Kira’s life were not mine; her ideas, her convictions, her values were and are."
We the Living is not a story of politics, but of the men and women who have to struggle for existence behind the Red banners and slogans. It is a picture of what dictatorship-of any kind-does to human beings. What happens to the defiant ones? What happens to those who succumb? Who are the winners in this conflict? For those who found Ayn Rand’s blockbuster Atlas Shrugged a powerful voice raised in defense of the individual, this book continues the theme of an individual’s right to the pursuit of his or her own happiness.
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"Outstanding book set in the aftermath of the Soviet Revolution. Very much a character driven story as the plot centers primarily on the actions of the protagonists and how they fare in the ruins of Imperial Russia. Excellent example of a strong female main character that retains her femininity yet is decisive and thoughtful, not like the male characters with breasts that are so prevalent in modern literature. The descriptions of life in newly minted Soviet Russia are detailed and frightening and provide a powerful bridge to the past and to the future. If there is anything that I felt was lacking in the story it was the ending, but I understand what Rand wanted to accomplish so I can let it slide. Definitely an important read for the youth and adults of today."
— John (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A really excellent piece of work.”
— H. L. Mencken -
“A colossal love story with a massive philosophical framework.”
— Miami News
Awards
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One of Modern Library's 100 Best English-Language Novels of the Twentieth Centuryfor the Reader's List
We the Living Listener Reviews
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" Although its a bit too verbose in some parts, I really liked the historical connections it had with Soviet Russia. This is a great book if you want to go beyond the history books when it comes to communism in Russia. "
— Allison, 2/20/2014 -
" Very moving book centered in Russia. A typical Ayn Rand - people struggling to be individuals in a society that doesn't support those ideals. "
— Carmen, 2/13/2014 -
" very much enjoying this one, despite not enjoying Fountainhead. "
— Daneeblanche, 1/24/2014 -
" It was my first taste of Ayn Rand as well as a further investigation into communism. This book fueled my hair-brained ideas about pursuing advanced degrees in Russian literature. Need I say more? "
— Julianne, 1/22/2014 -
" We the Living is an insight into Ayn Rand as an author; her motivations, her politics, and her upbringing. As a lover of both Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, I eagerly turned the pages of this book to learn more about Ayn Rand. It is hailed as the closest thing she wrote to an autobiography and is a heroing story of a free thinker living in Communist Russia. I found tremendous courage in the characters. "
— Lizzie, 1/20/2014 -
" A great book to learn about the Russian society and communisim. Learnt a lot. "
— Katrina, 1/14/2014 -
" Nowhere near the level of The Fountainhead. It was either boring and tedious, or just flat out sad and depressing. Yet, still interesting to chart Ayn Rand's development as a writer, and much of it beautifully written. "
— Brian, 1/6/2014 -
" I actually like this one more than her more famous books. "
— Tasha, 12/18/2013 -
" My favorite of all her books. "
— Jess, 12/5/2013 -
" I wish that there were more authors who can convey so much through the work of fiction. "
— Mirela, 12/1/2013 -
" Interesting but heavy handed. "
— Hayley, 12/1/2013 -
" I read Atlas Shrugged years ago and quite liked it but this book seemed just like the other one. I tired of Ann Rand's philosophy. Has anyone else read much Ann Rand? "
— Terri, 11/8/2013 -
" My favorite Ayn Rand novel. "
— Chrysti, 9/20/2013 -
" Don't tell my Democrat friends and family. I loved this book. Ann Rand has greatly influenced me with this lovely novel. "
— Caitlin, 5/16/2013 -
" Bleak as hell. "
— Suellen, 4/3/2013 -
" A really interesting look into life in Soviet Russia. However I thought the characters weren't believable and the story wasn't as engrossing as in her other novels. "
— Laura, 2/20/2013 -
" Amazing. Couldn't put it down. Definitely read the series in order: 1) We the Living; 2) The Fountainhead; 3) Atlas Shrugged "
— Kathy, 3/11/2011 -
" Just finished this book and wow. I won't give a review now as it is late and I am tired and it would not do this book a severe injustice to do a half-assed review. I'll review it this week on my blog and as always post the link. Stay Booked! Happy Reading! "
— JaSexxy, 8/14/2010 -
" This is one of my favorite books and one that I frequently recommend to others. "
— Heather, 6/27/2008
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 Mary Woods
Mary Woods began her career in Washington, DC, where she performed at Ford’s Theater, the Folger Theater, Round House, and Washington Stage Guild. She spent several seasons at New Playwrights’ Theater developing new American plays. She is a veteran narrator of Talking Books for the Library of Congress, and received the Alexander Scourby Narrator of the Year Award for fiction in 1996. Formerly a radio news director, she now hosts a daily local affairs interview program on Catholic Radio, for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She lives in Albuquerque, where she continues to act on stage and in film. She received her BA at the Catholic University of America in Fine Arts and Drama.