We the Living is Ayn Rand’s first novel, set in post-revolutionary Russia and depicting the struggles of individuals under a collectivist regime. The novel tells the story of Kira Argounova, a young woman determined to pursue her personal dreams despite the oppressive Soviet state. As she navigates life in a society where individualism is crushed, Kira’s relationships with two men, Leo and Andrei, reflect her conflict between the desire for freedom and the reality of life under totalitarianism.

Why read this book

• Explore Ayn Rand’s early exploration of themes like individualism, freedom, and the dangers of collectivism.
• Engage with a gripping story that offers a critical portrayal of life in Soviet Russia.
• Understand the philosophical underpinnings that would later evolve into Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism.
• Witness the development of Rand’s distinct style, blending political and philosophical themes with emotional depth and human conflict.

About the Author

Ayn Rand was a Russian-American novelist and philosopher, best known for her novels Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. She developed a philosophical system called Objectivism, advocating for individual rights, free-market capitalism, and rational self-interest. Her works have had a profound influence on political and economic thought in the United States, making her both a controversial and celebrated figure in literature and philosophy.