Anthem

Anthem, by Ayn Rand
122 Pages

This dystopian novel takes place - like most dystopian novels - at some point in a benighted future, after a great war in which the many triumphed over the few.  Anyone who knows the basics of Ayn Rand's philosophy can see where this is going.  The book is far from an exercise in subtlety, and, to be fair, it's likely that none was intended.  It reminds me of the fables that we as a society have on standby to indoctrinate little children with our cultural values.  That's not to say this book is dumbed down, but in the process of delivering a literary work, Ayn Rand makes sure to bash you over the head with the main theme of her worldview.

The protagonist is named Equality 7-2521.  Everyone has names that denote the concept of "group".  For example, there is Collective 0-0009, Solidarity 8-1164, Unanimity 2-9913, etc.  Everyone refers to himself/herself in the 1st person plural, and to others in the 3rd person plural.  In fact, the word "I" seems to be forgotten. He lives in a society plunged into mediocrity and stagnation because the individual spirit has been smothered under the will of the common good.  "Exceptional" is not only a foreign concept, but sinful.  Equality 7-2521 has a yearning for more out of life, and he secretly launches a private rebellion against the crushing conformity.

It's a short read, and it's actually not bad.