We the Living

By: Ayn Rand

Narrated by: Mary Woods

Length: 18 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

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. Rand said of this book: "It is as near to an autobiography as I will ever write."

©1936 Ayn Rand (P)1991 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Didn't connect like I did with her other books

What did you like best about We the Living? What did you like least?

Classic Ayn Rand themes. The look into Russian past was fascinating. The story moved a lot slower than with Fountain Head and Atlas Shrugged for me. I found it much easier to connect with Howard Roark and Hank Rearden and Dagney Taggart. But the story was solid and eye opening. I can see the progression of her beliefs through her writings. Calling this the 'closet thing to a biography I have ever written', you can definitely see where her believe in the Individual above all else came from!
Still a huge fan. But if you're new to Rand, start with Fountain Head or Atlas Shrugged.

Nothing wrong with story author-bummer tale

Would you try another book from Ayn Rand and/or Mary Woods?

A great writer.
An excellent reader.
Prophetic tale.

Rands grasp of human psychology is key; all of the characters resemble someone you know--especially the minor and ancillary. It's a tale of a people's relentless decline to resignation, illness and passivity. Call it reportage, but stuffed in a more attractive romance.

Depressing story nevertheless, made worse by the knowledge that this happened to millions in Venezuela, Zimbabwe, China, and elsewhere. Still worse, it may happen here.

Heartbreaking!

Where does We the Living rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's been a long while since I have been so disappointed and chagrined by the ending of a story. There was not a single story line or character ending that resolved the way I would have hoped or wanted. It left me heart sick and sad. When it ended, I couldn't believe that could possibly be the end. Her other books have had a more hopeful ending. Guess this one just blindsided me.Even so, it is an AMAZING story of love, unrequited love, sacrifice, endurance, courage ... the list goes on. Not to be missed.

What other book might you compare We the Living to and why?

Have not read other books with such a completely developed love story. Others fall short of the depth in this story.

What does Mary Woods bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her characterizations of women were pretty good. There are a lot of very different men in this book with lots of variations in their personalities that didn't quite translate for me in her reading of them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

None.

Amazing story

The story is amazing. The narrator needs to slow down - at times it was read so fast I could not follow it.

By far one of the greatest books I've ever read

The narrator does a fantastic job, this story is full of so much imagery and feeling. I am a super fan of historical fiction, especially that about early 1900's. A little romance, a little deception. Filled my own heart with heartache, and anger. It's like I was there.

We the Quarantined (2020)

Fully as good as any Russian Lit by any of the more well read Masters.

Early Rand

Where does We the Living rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I liked it, not in my top 10 or anything but I enjoyed it mostly out of being a fan of Ayn Rand.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kira

What about Mary Woods’s performance did you like?

She had a nice voice and did a good job differentiating voices enough without sounding silly.

Who was the most memorable character of We the Living and why?

Probably Leo or Comrade Taganov, just rich characters who have a lot of action in the story.

Any additional comments?

As much as I love Ayn Rand and the works of Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, We the Living is considerably less impressive. While its good enough and having read her other works understanding her philosophy, the budding notions presented in this book are less developed but still stand out. I wont give too much of a spoiler here despite it involving the end of the book. I found particular substance in the books closing scenes- to think about what the characters stood for and what the consequential actions each say are extremely meaningful and beautifully punctuate the books theme and message. Very well done indeed. If you love Rand, consider this. If you don't know Rand, start somewhere else.

Narrator so boring!

This narrator is so hard to listen to.. I feel like she is reading an ingredient label. I am returning the book. I can’t make it.

Great Book

Great book and exceptional narration. Outstanding! I really enjoyed the peak inside early 20th century Russia.

Poignant & beautiful; a must-read for all

Read this novel.
Read it if you love books. Read it if you struggle to find books you enjoy. It is a masterpiece, a label I’ve never placed on a book before. It is beautiful. I’m affected & certain you will be, too.