We the Living Challenges Readers

by Ryan Maloney
Contributing Writer

In 1936, after being rejected for nearly three years by almost a dozen publishing companies, Ayn Rand’s earliest novel, We the Living was accepted by Macmillan when the owner personally overturned the editorial board’s decision.

Unfortunately, this personal victory was short lived as the American public simply wasn’t ready to face the harsh realities of communist political theory, and the book was taken out of circulation very soon after its initial release.

Growing accustom to Rand’s aggressive writing style is a difficult task for someone who has not yet studied rational objectivist thought and many new readers are alienated by her controversial beliefs. Despite her talent for creative writing, Rand aims most of her novels at die-hard followers and as a result, produces many complex works that teeter dangerously between philosophical fiction and philosophical dissertation.

We the Living, however, captures the indomitable spirit of intellectual freedom and individuality which permeated Rand’s personal views without adding the additional baggage of unrealistic rational objectivist ideals and beliefs.

We the Living is a grisly tale of what life was like in Russia after the Communist party came to power 1917. It is the closest that Rand, who had lived in the USSR until she was able to escape in 1926, ever came to writing an autobiography. Even though the characters are fictional, all the events are based on reality. This makes the detailed descriptions of the mental and physical hardships inflicted by the Red Party seem even more appalling, and leaves the reader wondering, "What more could they possible lose?" at the end of each chapter.

The story itself focuses on three main characters, Andrei Taganov, Leo Kovalensky and Kira Argounova, each of whom are existing under the suffocating grip of the Communist party. Kira and Leo, the children of powerful families who acquired great wealth through hard work and dedication under imperial rule, are struggling to free themselves of the oppressive regime.

Andrei on the other hand, is a high ranking party member with a glorious combat record who is just beginning to realize the high cost of his sacrifices. They hope to find salvation, be it from within or without.

Although We the Living is an excellent story with an intriguing plot, I do not recommend this book for readers who are easily offended as many of the ideas it contains are highly controversial.

On a personal level, I feel this book has particular importance for all of us who often fail to appreciate the level of intellectual freedom we have as college students in America.