THE FOUNTAINHEAD-- by AYN RAND

I heard this book from my father, who accidentally cited to my friend; when we three were discussing a philosophical topic. My another friend (Narayana) read it and gave the same opinion, but I never bothered about it.

One day ( year and half after my friend bought it), I purchased it in Tata Book House (IISc).  Even then, I didn't have a mind to read that book, as it was very bulky and I didn't have sufficient patience to read such bulky books. I buried it somewhere in my bookshelf and one day I laid my hands on it.

[ Pardon me for the above Biographical notes]

THE FOUNTAINHEAD was written by Ayn Rand, and it was published in 1943. The book has four parts and each one deals with the four principal characters: PETER KEATING, ELLSWORTH TOOHEY, GAIL WYNAND and last but not the least, the protagonist HOWARD ROARK. Dominique Francon is the female lead.

The entire book represents the rise of the each character in their respective lives, beginning with the Peter Keating and ending with Howard Roark. The book, more than representing the story it carries a debate between Collectivism, Socialism, Communism and Individualism; highlights the Individualism, through the protagonist, Howard Roark. This entire debate runs as an undercurrent throughout the book. Though at first instance, I found few similarities between Roark and Charles Strickland of Moon and Sixpence, by the time I finished the book, my misconceptions got cleared. Also, the idealistic relationship between Roark and Dominique is very confusing at beginning but once we think properly, we can make out the depth of their relationship. Abstract relationship never requires any words to communicate. Last but not least to mention, the pre climax part of the  book gives you goosebumps and elevates the Roark character to the unmeasurable heights. Pre climax forms the best part of the book and after reading the entire book, I thought that, if the book had been ended at this point, then it would have been one of the excellent books of the twentieth century. The book lacks its pace in between and it gathers the pace again with the entry of Roark.

After, reading the book, no doubt that, everyone wants to be like Roark, but fail being like him miserably.  This book is better than scores of self motivating books. Its a must read book in ones life and many incidents of Roark makes you to read the book again and again and also his character creates a permanent mark in your mind and life.

[you can also check out my friend's review http://narayanraogs.blogspot.com/]