Fountainhead by Ayn Rand (Paperback)

The Fountainhead (published 1943) centers on Howard Roark, an architect who insists on designing buildings according to his own vision rather than complying with traditional styles or public expectations. He is expelled from architecture school, struggles for clients, clashes with critics and fellow architects, yet never compromises his principles.

I think The Fountainhead is a powerful, provocative novel. Even if one doesn't accept all of Rand’s philosophy, there’s enormous value in what she’s arguing: the dignity of individual creativity, the courage to stand alone, the danger of living “second-hand.” It’s not perfect it can overstep, become polemical, strain credibility but as a work that mines large ideas through dramatic scenes, it succeeds in leaving a lasting impression.

If I were to rate it in terms of lasting influence and thought-provoking power, I’d say it's among the more important novels of the 20th century in its genre. As a pure novel (for story, psychology, style), it’s uneven: some parts are gripping, some tedious.