Fountainhead - Justification of perspectives

We must have read so many books; which are beautiful work of fiction. How many times would an Author reiterate his/her perspective about the protagonist with series of incidents? How many times after reading a book you would wonder, who this story is about. Such is the prowess of Ayn Rand in presenting  story of Roark, supposedly the protagonist.

The Fountainhead is a brazen criticism of people who follow patterns, conventions and have an outlook for a safe and secure journey. It also goes on to insult people who work/create to please the system or a sect compromising one's own thoughts and beliefs.

The story begins with a comparative portrait of two architects Howard Roark and Peter Keating on choice of ways to achieve creativity. Roark believes in his own methods and reasoning about his creative instincts. He is ready to traverse an arduous path for proving his perspective to the world which believes only in conventions. Peter on the other hand prefers to have a secure approach by pleasing the critics as well as the people by following usual conventions.

There are some other interesting characters like Dominique who is madly in love with Roark but works hard to defeat him in his endeavors. Elsworth Toohey, a columnist who moves with the tide and writes columns on buildings and architectures. The most intimidating character would be a newspaper baron Gail Wynand who goes to extremes to catalyze changes in the society. His acceptance of Roark as an invaluable jewel walks him through various troubles and challenges.

Ayn succeeds in keeping the interest of the readers by making the characters behave in a ceratin way. These behaviours and actions take you to a point where you start relating to typical human natures. One gets confused occasionally with certain turn of events.

The book slows its pace at places where there are dialogue between characters but Ayn ensures that there are key take-aways for the readers.  This book is a perfect blend of fictitious essence with cream of enticing nuggets guiding readers to do what they believe in.

Well reviews are too small a place to describe a book like Fountainhead. For me, it was not a book but an experience and Ayn will ensure that it doesn't seem like a book rather a motion picture running.

Happy Reading !!!