Really loved this book. I have read Atlas Shrugged before but didn't like it as much as this even though it touches upon the anarchic capitalism, probably because the theme of architecture is so intriguing here. Any other books with headstrong individual characters and centred around a particular profession or industry? I don't mind mature themes, romance, politics, etc. Just something with characters like the ones in "The Fountainhead".
by PuzzleheadAir7279
8 Comments
I’ve seen so much criticism around The fountainhead that I was skeptical at first. But this is reassuring. It’s sitting on my bookshelf and I can’t wait to get started 🙂
Also, can’t really recommend anything because I’ve heard Roark’s personality is quite unique so can’t think of anything I’ve read that compares
Barf. By the way, anarchic capitalism is an oxymoron: capitalism requires a state to enforce it.
Reamde by Neal Stephenson? This author is *definitely* not pro anarchic capitalism (one of his most famous novels, Snow Crash, derives a lot of its humor from capitalism creating truly ridiculous scenarios). But the good side of consumerism, where any kind of product you might need can be found, is a theme found in his work. Reamde is a cybercrime thriller.
Tai Pan by James Clavell is very pro capitalism and has an “ideal superman” protagonist
I’d go opposite. Read Siddartha, or Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance or Slaughterhouse Five. May make you appreciate Roark more or less. But a more interesting journey.
Rand’s characters are compelling until you realize they are comically thin, narcissistic and sociopathic. I loved Fountainhead, but in the end they are all detestable people.
Das Kapital Vol 1
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Completely different kinda book, but if you could relate to Howard Roark – you’d like Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami.