The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

The Fountainhead is a steamy novel which was loved by citizen yet panned by the critics. One thing was for sure though; the story was rousing and infused life into the architecture itself. The protagonist of The Fountainhead was Howard Roark, and his character was based on the real life (yet larger than life) architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Praising One Person

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Despite the feeling that The Fountainhead was for the lowest base denominator, the book still retains that irresistible aura around it. The book is also referred to as a hymn in the praise for one person, and the style with which the book is written is fully new. Her next novel, Atlas Shrugged, was also a huge hit and both the books sold more than 100 million copies together.

More Than Seven Years to Write the Book

Ayn Rand, herself a Russian, took more than seven years to write the novel. The draft was rejected by 12 publishers first, and was finally accepted by Bobbs- Merill business and the book later went on to come to be a worldwide bestseller. At the time when the protagonist was expelled from the architecture school, Howard Roark told his dean that he didn't want to build so he could have clients; instead, he wanted clients so he could build.

Not the Most Popular

The hero of the novel is not the most loveable person of the world; he has only one potential (but a suited one), he remains true to his work, despite anything is going on around him. He is blunt and honest, and he may look rude at times, though his mindset is all the time in the clear. His work gives him the extreme joy in the world. Then we have the character of Peter Keating, who is close minded and is only concerned about success, it doesn't matter to him it comes at what cost. Ayn Rand managed to teach the readers how to be honest about work, dream about the work and enjoy it without being concerned about what was going on in the world.

Simple And True To Life Characters

The images of the characters were highly straightforward and true to life. While reading the book, you will get the feeling, that The Fountainhead is an easy read (but lengthy). The way Ayn Rand has managed to successfully portray the distinct characters, is naturally amazing. The time when the book was released, citizen were used to the stories about the rich and the beautiful and the honest writing of Ayn Rand came as a breath of fresh air for them. Ayn Rand covered the entire journey of Howard Roark, and the readers felt all the pain, happiness and the spirit of win at the end.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand