We the Living by Ayn Rand is a novel based back during the Russian Revolution from 1922 to 1925, when citizens starved in the streets and their homes were ripped away from them. Kira Argounova, a Russian citizen and anti-Communist, is forced to choose between two men: Andrei, the communist, or Leo, the rebel, who each provide for her in ways that her own family cannot. Over the course of this trying time, she faces many obstacles as she struggles to decide who she is destined to be with.

        Rand, an author well-known for her variety of politically charged texts, delves deep into the challenges of the Russian Revolution and its overall effects on everyone involved. She depicts a not so classic love story of a young girl whose life is unearthed by Communism. As Kira struggles to find her way, Rand makes you feel as if you are in her shoes. Chapters fly by in what feels like a matter of minutes as you are submerged into Kira’s world and experience everything she feels.

        Rand describes herself as a “radical for capitalism,” which she channels into Kira, who refuses to submit to the Communists who deprived her and others of all they had ever known. Throughout, Rand seems to portray Kira as someone she would aspire to be if in this position.

        Kira is painted in such a complex manner that readers will either love or hate her and the same goes for her two love interests. Each is so unique in their own way and personal opinions can truly sway how readers react to them. The three of them exemplify what it means to be alive at this point in time, as they refuse to mold to the norms the government tries to force upon the people.

        The writing is not lyrical, but more to the point. Rand incorporates few metaphors throughout, but instead creates a novel that serves as one large allegory. As a reader, it is up to you what you will take away from it.

        In this day and age, where political parties are so polarized and constantly at each other's throats, it is the perfect time for readers to pick up this book and see what happens when political groups challenge each other rather than work together. Rand provides a clear portrayal of the difficulties that emerge when citizens are at the mercy of a broken political system. We, as citizens of the world have an understanding about how strenuous it can be for a nation when the government is not functioning at its highest level. Can we learn from Russia’s past mistakes, so we do not repeat them today?

        Perhaps the purpose of this novel is to caution readers about negative political outcomes. Maybe reading this will push more people to vote or make a difference in our political world, in order to shift the currents towards a better tomorrow. Although published years ago, We the Living still demonstrates how horrible life once was and could be again.