This steamy novel by Ayn Rand often discussed by literary critics and college-goers (as that is the age when the book is appealing to read), is a stirring story that dramatizes issues in design and brings architecture to life. The hero of the story, Howard Roark, was molded after the larger-than-life American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, I understand.
From the opening scene when rebel architect Howard Roark stands naked on a cliff, to the triumphant conclusion when the 'insufferably' arrogant hero stands atop the building he fought to build, the story is gripping and irresistible. Howard Roark may be made of architecture idealism who wants to follow the theoretical rules! And he defies those who do not agree with him (the trait often admired by young ones) but want their buildings to resemble masterworks from the past. What do they know, asks Howard Roark ."I don't intend to build in order to have clients," Roark tells the dean who expels him from architecture school. "I intend to have clients in order to build." When I was twenty, I was grappled by the text of the author to read at a stretch. Now, i find it all idealistic and not possible...but the book is a good 'stimulating' reading and i recommend the book for one time reading.
I liked the book too although the principle of objectivism that Rand advocates seems too much to swallow in real life.
ReplyDeletethe book has idealism alright,but it moves you miles.the understanding at different ages brings in new perspectives each time.i don't know still if it is fictional philosophy or philosophical fiction.
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