Anthem by Ayn Rand explores individualism, freedom, and the role of the collective in society. The main character Equality 7-2521 is faced with the harsh decision between giving in to the great "We", thereby giving his life to the idea that everyone has a place in society, but you do not get a personal identity or abandoning everything he had ever been taught in the sake of learning about what it means to be a unique person. Equality 7-2521 decided to seek the knowledge the people of his society had hidden from him allowing him to develop into a smart, passionate person.
The book had a slow start. I found the wording hard to follow, however, this was intentional. By part IV I was hooked I ended up finishing the second half of the book all in one sitting. This book helped me understand that everyone has a role in society and that it may not be a straightforward position. I grew a connection with the characters in Anthem as they worked to learn not only who they are, but what the world is made of. If the beginning of the book was a bit faster paced this book would easily be a 5 out of 5, however, because it took me a second to connect to, I will give the book a 4 out of 5.