Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand...I heard about this classic book from mouthshut.com itself...some of the raters and opinion holders of my earlier review loved this book. The book then aroused my interest. However, what finally led me to read this book, is when, at a school reunion, one of my friends, who never reads books, suggested me to read this book. I finally laid my hands on it..and voila! what a book it had been...
This book if superfluously read, will tell you, about the struggle of an architect, Mr. Howard Raork, and the obstacles he had to overcome before he was recognised as an acclaimed architect. This story centers around him, woven with different and unique characters who play an important role in his life, indirectly. Mr. Ellsworth Toohey, Mr. Peter Keating, Ms. Dominique Francon, Mr. Wyanand. All represent different backgrounds and powerful and unique characteristics.
In this book, Howard Roark shows a way of living life, satisfactorily and peacefully. He is an inspiration. Through this character, the author has stressed- That no matter what the colleagues and competitors preached (in the form of Peter Keating and Guy Francon), what the professors and deans of big institutes forced you to believe, IF U Believe in yourself and your work, dont be influenced by them...because your ideas are unique..it may be the start of another revolution, and a change is not always welcomed....especially if it is threatening the livelihood and status of others. Though it sounds eccentric, never compromise on your set standards, as it reflects you! Today in the world where whatever the customer says or wants is the final word, one should never compromise on their ideals and sustain the originality is the train of thought of the character. It certainly held true in case of architecture, where Howard understood his customers minute wants and erected a building to suit its needs. His work was the reflection of care, thought and originality and had due respect for customers needs. This is where the book wants to hit the point - Your work should be original, and reflective of your empathy and understanding of customers needs, at the same time, reflecting your individuality.
However this character had to face a lot of hurdles, criticism, laughs and denouncements before he was acclaimed by public at large. He stood the tests of time. He never ever let this criticism affect him. This is because - He worked and produced results not to be acclaimed by others, but to satisfy his beliefs and his ideals. As a result, he was always satisfied and proud of his work. He never ever grudged about anything. When he was out of work, he worked in a quarry without any complaints. Yet one more facet pointed out is that he knew all the work related to his work. As a result he could interact with the workmen who helped him build his projects and turn them into reality. He allowed them the creativity they enjoyed in their work. This has been reflected through the characters of Mike and Mallory. And the result - true masterpieces erected. He also stood for positive competition. Whenever Peter Keating came for help, he always helped him and never claimed credit for them. And thus, we come to know about a man, who stands for true professionalism.
His personal life, also was characterised by hardships which he endured smilingly. His love life is extremely painful until finally he unites with his love. His friend circle, though few, were extremely loyal to him, and believed him. Again it stands out, that in the end, what matters the most is not how powerful your friends are, but how much they love you and believe you.
Unlike Peter Keating, who had friends who stood by him in his good times and forgot him during his trying times.
Unlike Peter Keating, who worked his way up, not because of his love for work, but his love for power.
Unlike Peter Keating, who married a woman not whom he loved, but who could satisfy his lust for beauty and power.
Unlike Peter Keating, who was too happy at the doom of his colleagues and competitors.
Unlike Peter Keating, who never loved and believed his work, only snatched ideas and bits from here and there.
Unlike Peter Keating, who worked to get praises from others, to be acclaimed by others and not to satisfy himself.
Unlike Peter Keating who had weak ideals which led to loss of his love and fame.
Through the contrast of these two characters, the author has very clearly pointed out the ideas he wanted to convey. And with characters like Toohey and Wyanand, the interplay has become more interesting. Toohey represents a person who uses people as a step to power and also is an eye opener to the fact that critics and reviews do not necessarily reveal the true picture. This Makes one realise...Do not be influenced by others views and reviews but believe in what you think is right. In todays world of 24 hour news channels, we tend to believe what they portray, but it sometimes becomes important to read between the lines.
Yet another powerful character, is, Dominique Francon, who is an eccentric as well as an intelligent woman. Her character symbolises the pain, one has to endure, in order to be alike Howard Roark...that is, in order that she is not affected by others. Mr. Wyanand represents a man, who rises from the ashes and builds a kingdom of his own, in order to gain power, however, in the process, he loses himself. His friendship with Howard makes him fight against giving in to the world and gain strength.
All powerful characters, successfully interwoven, display a magnificent tale which is beautifully and bitingly written. The author has the power to capture the readers interests, through the beautiful portrayal of characters and their interplay with each other. The book, not for a single moment, loses momentum, and goes on with four mini-volumes, each portraying the life of different character, yet not even once, rupturing the flow and narration of the story.
This book, is yet another masterpiece, with great philosophy and thoughts projected with amazing usage of words. Words have been used to build and destroy characters. Words have been effectively used to create and destry old and new philosophies.While one would read through the book, one would understand how philosophical words can easily influence people without them understanding what the particular philosophy would lead to.
All in all, it portrays the different ways taken by people to achieve success, and the outcomes of the paths taken. It preaches, in essence, the way of living life!