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Atlas Shrugged
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 62 hrs and 56 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
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Publisher's Summary
In defense of those greatest of human qualities that have made civilization possible, one man sets out to show what would happen to the world if all the heroes of innovation and industry went on strike. Is he a destroyer or a liberator? And why does he fight his hardest battle not against his enemies but against the woman he loves?
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What listeners say about Atlas Shrugged
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Sandeep Kumar Pandey
- 05-04-19
Words of gold.
This is the fifth time I went through the novel. First time in audio format. It was a liberating experience given by the fact that I could listen while doing other things.
As for the novel, no words would do justice to the greatness. The characters, the narrative, the visual rendering, everything about this novel is in depth, and at the same time, succinct.
4 people found this helpful
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- Adithya Kumar
- 27-02-21
One should read or listen to book in his lifetime.
Narrator did an excellent job
I was looking forward to listening this everyday in my transit to work
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- SHARATH KOTIAN
- 30-01-21
Mind Blown
wonder how I missed reading this book, totally bowled over, whole perception of industry and politics completely changes .. though it's lengthy I loved every moment of it .. especially the conversations .. would highly recommend this book
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- Smriti Jain
- 03-08-20
one of the life altering books
Loved it. Very moving and interesting. A book that makes you feel deeply and changes your perspective towards life
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- Joshi Nikhil
- 25-06-20
Culmination of Philosophy and novel
60+ hrs feels like no time to finish this intriguing Great novel. Ayn Rand's best.
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- Anonymous User
- 21-12-19
Welcome to a world of Prosperity
Magnificent book.
Eye opening speeches of Characters.
Change the way you see economy.
Highly recommended.
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- Satyam Rana
- 15-11-19
Fabulous
Everything is just amazing about this book!! Couldn't resist to read again and again.. Loved it
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- Tushar Save
- 08-08-19
Who is John Galt?
Excellent explanations about life, morality and philosophy at large. Read for life changing experience and great lessons on morality
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- Saurav Gupta
- 23-07-19
Fantastic narration of a fascinating story
This is my favorite book which I have already read multiple times. Still it was such an amazing experience to hear it on audible.
The voice brings a new charm and dimension to the story. It feels much more dramatic and you can visualize the scenes and characters more clearly as have been envisaged by the author.
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- Mike M
- 09-09-12
Good with some caveats
I enjoyed this book a lot but there are some negatives that diminished my enjoyment of it.
The Good:
- I loved the protagonists (Dagny, Hank Rearden, Francisco). They were strong, intelligent characters and I was rooting for them right from the start
- the story was interesting. I was anxious to find out how it would all end and it was gripping
- the philosophical disadvantages of Socialism are well-presented
The Bad:
- it seems very exaggerated. I don't think the staunchest defenders of Socialism would identify with the "Incompetents' (my word for them) in this book
- the antagonists in this book (James Taggart, Wesley Mulch, etc.) seemed to be the same person. They are one-dimensional with no redeeming qualities
- it was very, very long. A few times I wanted to stop because it was so long but I really wanted to find out how it all turned out. John Galt's speech on the radio could have been cut down to 10% of its length with no loss of meaning or impact.
Overall a good, enjoyable story and I recommend it
35 people found this helpful
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- Emily
- 04-05-13
A long listen but worth the effort and patience
At 63 hours long, this is the definition of a marathon listening session, but I think it's worth it. Atlas Shrugged is a long story, which presents Ayn Rand's theory of objectivism through a number of speeches and discussions, but it also has a great fictional narrative that goes along side it. You may not like Rand's politics or philosophy, but at its heart this story has a great female lead character who fights to be successful and competent surrounded by idiots, fools and incompetents. So, give it a try, you might be surprised and enjoy it.
84 people found this helpful
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- Mica
- 24-03-09
Hurt version decidedly superior
While I appreciate many of Scott Brick's audiobooks, he misses the emotional impetus behind the characters and Ayn's incredible grasp of satire. Many of her characters are archetypes, and Hurt just plain understands how she intended them to come across. There are some issues with the audio quality(background noise, etc). This drawback is overwhelmed by the brilliance of his acting. He really brings the book to live. Brick on the otherhand comes across flat, misses the characters emotional states and motivations, and turns a great story less so. I have both versions, but if you only purchase one yourself, select the Hurt version. You will not regret it
463 people found this helpful
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- Wayne
- 06-01-16
A true classic! 'Who is John Galt?'
Released in 1956, Atlas Shrugged has become an American classic. I first read in in 1962 as a college sophomore. There are two versions if the novel at Audible, one is narrated by Christopher Hurt and the other is narrated by Scott Brick. Brick is my favorite narrator, but I admit that Hurt does a slightly better job with Atlas Shrugged, but both are superb. I recommend the Kindle version over either Audible version because of John Galt's very, very long speech to the nation which is easier to understand by rereading parts. (The Audible bookmark feature is almost as useful.)
Atlas Shrugged is too long and complex to easily summarize. Dagny Taggart inherits a railroad and expands it into an empire despite her weak brother James. Hank Rearden invents and patents a new steel alloy (Rearden Metal) that threatens to put all of his competitors out of business, but politicians interfere and threaten his patent. Taggart used Reardon Metal to enhance her railroad construction in the Rocky Mountains. Taggart and Readen become lovers and join forces against the thuggery of the politicians. The ultimate hero is John Galt who years before abandoned society when his invention of a revolutionary motor that would have literally changed the world was threatened by politicians and government regulators.
Reading or listening to Atlas Shrugged requires a significant commitment of time. It is well worth it; indeed, it would be worth twice the commitment. Atlas Shrugged is a great novel.
62 people found this helpful
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- Jody
- 08-01-09
Stick with the Christopher Hurt version.
Belive me when I say stick with the Christopher Hurt version. I have listened to both. Scott Brick is said to be "THE NARRATOR" but he can't compair to Christopher Hurt.
The Hurt version isn't great sound quality. I did hear some background noise at parts. There is a part where is stops compleatly for a few seconds but stick it out. Hurt's version of Taggart alone is woth it.
Brick makes this book I belive 11 hours longer using the exact same words. Brick has 1 voice for each male and female character and his book is packed with many characters. I think brick trys to play some parts.
This is my favourite book. I read it every year. Belive me when I say stick with the Christopher Hurt version.
253 people found this helpful
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- Danny
- 14-11-13
Change your views about life and living it.
Any additional comments?
This author has taught all who are willing to listen to what she has said, truly a life changing, mind provoking life style available to the listener.
6 people found this helpful
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- Henrik
- 03-01-09
What an incredible audio book
If you want a real treat - download this unabridged recording.
I have been meaning to listen to Atlas Shrugged for years, but I have been put somewhat off by its length.
When I discovered that a new recording had been made with no other than THE narrator Scott Brick the case was settled.
Atlas Shrugged is a story that will stick with you and make you reflect on The World, your life and the future.
It is set in The US and describes what would happen if you took away the initiative of the individual and deprived all of the intellectuals of their rights.
While I understand why many people will find the story political, controversial and even disturbing - it cannot help you appreciate how lucky we are living in democracies.
Download this recording, listen to Scott's mellow voice for 62 hours and prepare yourself for utter joy.
Wow.
149 people found this helpful
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- Jedidiah Richards
- 16-09-20
Poor philosophical concept.
Sixty - two hours is too long to listen to someone who has nothing to say.
4 people found this helpful
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- John
- 21-01-11
great story...perhaps a bit long in the tooth
this is a truly entertaining story. one that many people in america would do well to hear considering our current political and economic situation.
i gave this 4, instead of 5, stars for two reasons:
most of the monologues in this book, and there are a handful, are almost suicidally long. the point is typically made within the first 5 or 10 minutes, but the listener is subjected to exhausting reiterations of the same idea. case in point is john galt's radio address clocking in at 3 hours of listening time. having said this, i loved francisco's diatribe about money being the root of all evil (or not, as the case may be) and that probably came in around 45 minutes or so.
the second reason i didn't give this 5 stars is that i felt the narrator portrayed dagney in an excessively weak and frail voice. i don't know if that was his best impression of a woman, but dagney deserved a more confident sounding voice. he did a great job with reardon and i found myself hating james taggert on multiple occasions because the whining tone of his voice was so grating.
overall, awesome book. would recommend to everyone, young and old.
14 people found this helpful
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- Luc
- 03-04-09
Amazing Audiobook ruined by poor casting.
There's very few things I can add to all that have been said about "Atlas Shrugged" that haven't been said before. Ayn Rand wrote a timeless masterpiece who put her name across the most influential writers of the english language. The story by itself is an Ode to the Human Mind and the best within us. This book change the lives of those who enter in contact with it and, most of the time, for the better.
The production of this audiobook is perfect. There's no background noise and the sound is as crisp as it could be. Only on the technical standpoint, the recording is as perfect as the state of the technology allows it to be.
So, why I gave it only 3 stars? Because of the casting of Mr. Brick. I have no quarrel with him. He's a talented artist who, I am sure, would give an outstanding reading of "Pride and Prejudice". He's, sadly, a poor choice for "Atlas Shrugged". His voice is unable to carry the certainty of John Galt, Dagny Taggart seems to be a moment away to sobbing, Francisco d'Anconia got a mundane voice while Jim Taggart sounds perfectly sane(!). This mostly ruined my enjoyment of this recording. "Atlas Shrugged" is a righteous book and his voice is too mellow to sound right.
In summary, may I suggest to those who really want to enjoy this story that they acquire the Christopher Hurt's rendition of it? The quality is less than stellar but the reading is perfect. In fact, I listened to the later right after I listened Mr. Brick's recording, just to forget the poor experience I lived.
116 people found this helpful
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- GWFarrow
- 02-12-14
Atlas Shrugged with indifference
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Value for money? Yep it's 63 hours long. Entertaining? Not in any real sense.
What could Ayn Rand have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
Had Rand employed a judicious editor, introduced a sense of pace, or narrative thrust it might have been bearable. While I have no personal issue with didactic writing, labouring a point over interminable ages bears little fruit in terms of convincing or entertaining the reader.
Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favourite?
Character performance is superb throughout and his delivery is a real strength.
Could you see Atlas Shrugged being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?
Even God himself (deity of your choice) could not forge this into a film worthy of watching.
Any additional comments?
The book is notable not just for its length but also for containing the least appealing love affair in history.
27 people found this helpful
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- Alan Michael Forrester
- 25-12-12
John Galt would have liked it
A minor criticism first. The first track in this audio book is an introduction with spoilers, so you should skip it if you don't want the surprise to be spoiled. The narration is clear and well acted and the sound is good.
Atlas Shrugged is two books in one: a novel and a book of philosophy. As a novel, AS is very good. It has interesting characters that change over the course of the book in ways that seem reasonable given their worldview and the world they live in. The plot also makes sense and is very effective at presenting Rand's worldview.
Many people complain about AS. I think these complaints are largely due to them disagreeing with the philosophy without having any good arguments against it. Do characters speak more eloquently than most people do in real life? There isn't a novel worth reading where that isn't true. The characters sometimes give speeches when they have something to say that requires a speech. People disapprove of this stuff because they dislike the content of the speech, not because there is a speech. My suggestion about how to approach the book is this: every time you feel outraged ask yourself whether you have a logical argument against what Rand is saying. If you don't then you should be willing to admit that you might be wrong and keep going.
So, to conclude, this audiobook is a well-narrated presentation of a challenging and dramatic novel.
85 people found this helpful
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- Thomas
- 07-04-13
Has challenged me to rethink ideas
For a long time I was reluctant to start reading this book, as it is a very long book, but it has been a great "read" for many hours of driving. Yes, it is long, but it has kept me interested and curious for the next turn of events.
I knew it was a political/philosophical book and it has certainly provoked my thinking - more than I really like, as I normally do not see myself as such a radical liberal as promoted here. The "looters" seem so obvious wrong in this book, that it is scary how often we see and hear their ideas promoted in real life also now in 2013. Having travelled around the world, I see countries almost purely based on the model promoted by the "looters" here - and not surprisingly these countries seem on the brink of catastrophe.
Probably the most thought provoking book I have "read" in years.
28 people found this helpful
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- Chris
- 24-12-12
Well Worth the Effort
I was so pleased when I saw the unabridged version of Atlas Shrugged had been released on Audible. I tried to fight my way through the tiny font 1168 page paperback I bought a few years ago but I only have so much determination. This is what audiobooks were meant to be.
As many know this set in an America where socialism has gone bad. At times you do feel as though Rand is hitting you over the head with her message, but I suspected it was always going to be that way.
After a slow start Rand manages to keep my interest in the plot, although I have to admit that it's lovers of philosophy who will get the most out of this book.
Well read by Scott Brick; next up for me in the unabridged Fountainhead.
The longest book I have ever bought and definitely value for money.
24 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 13-01-19
Way too long, only for ideologues
Rand is a terrible writer who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word subtlety - she makes the same point over and over and over, using ridiculous straw men characters.
7 people found this helpful
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- michelle
- 08-04-13
Atlas Shrugged
This is a fantastic eye opening read. It gives the reader a whole new view of the economy today even though it was written in the late 50s. I would recommend this audio especially for those who find reading a book of this size difficult. Definitely a must have!
14 people found this helpful
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- Oliver
- 07-04-13
A work of fiction, a work of philosophy.
I really can not describe how much this novel has affected me. The value this book presents is just unmatched by any other work of its kind. For me Atlas Shrugged feels like a classic that is actually a classic. Themes of the book weave together like nothing I have ever read. If you enjoy a good thought provoking book, Atlas Shrugged will change your life.
18 people found this helpful
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- John Graham
- 22-06-18
Painful at times
I want to start by saying that I was very happy with Scott Brick's narration, to the point that I think I may have stopped listening around 50 hours if the narration hadn't been as strong.
Throughout reading this book I struggled to reconcile the feeling that a book challenging the more dominant narrative that societal good trumps individual liberty is important with a general frustration with the book. The story is ok but when that story strays into the barely concealed philosophic message it descends into lengthy rambling monologues that endlessly repeat themselves. All people who follow the 'wrong' moral code are set up as ridiculous straw men of their views, the 'good' characters are all absolutely faultless with no one who follows something approaching the right code ever doing anything slightly dubious even though the code allows considerable leeway for behaviour that would be considered negatively by many in our society. I got extremely close to stopping listening over 50 hours in because of an extreme example of this. A speech by a character that is positioned to be the cap stone of the philosophy the author wishes to communicate; Entire films have been able to communicate deep meaningful messages in less time than this speech which is so unpersuasive, so repetitive, so full of fallacies and false equivalences, untruths, and meaningless prose.
3 people found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 17-04-14
Atlas Shrugged - 30th Edition complete with extras
Would you listen to Atlas Shrugged again? Why?
A titan of a book, by any standards, would need to give it a while before revisiting, will be trying The Fountainhead though.
What did you like best about this story?
Narration perfectly executed by Scott Brick.
Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favourite?
Brick's take on all the characters is excellent, but his Hank Rearden was the best.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Such a great book, narrated so well, with notes from the author etc thrown in for good measure.
Any additional comments?
One of the best purchases I've made on Audible.
7 people found this helpful
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- Edward
- 14-06-13
An Explanation of Our Current Folly.
Prophetic vision of our future written Sixty years ago. This is a gripping read that seems to explain today's headlines. Well read in the audible format. An excellent explanation of why ,"There is no free lunch."
10 people found this helpful
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- Carsten Primdal
- 09-07-17
too much
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
not sure - it is exteremely long and could have been written much shorter and to the point. I do agree with the principles behind it though.
What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?
That too much interference is damaging to the economy and individuals. But OMG the monologues are so insanely long. Who talk like that?? And the semi-erotic passages.... Did anyone say "Early version of 50 Shades"?
Did Scott Brick do a good job differentiating each of the characters? How?
yes
Was Atlas Shrugged worth the listening time?
half the time, but overall, even 30 hours to get the point across could be considered too long.
Any additional comments?
a book for those with plenty of time on their hands.
7 people found this helpful
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- Miyazaki
- 25-09-17
reevaluation
verry thought provoking, found myself rethinking my beliefs, and find that the view expressed are related to the many issues of today.
3 people found this helpful
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- Matthew L
- 21-11-18
Hate/enjoyed this
So preachy. So, so, so preachy. Ayn Rand wanted to make industrialists into religious leaders and this story is the bible of that bizarre religion.
It had some interesting ideas, but could have been 1/10 the size and been better for it.
So preachy.
6 people found this helpful
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- Saranpaal
- 15-11-18
Long but worth it
A long read but enjoyable with fantastic narration. Compelling exploration of political thought and ideas. Whilst built on idealised characters and stereotypes and hard to be taken as gospel, the story provides a great way u to. Understand Rynd's philosophy
2 people found this helpful
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- Jason
- 29-10-18
must read story
I loved it must read book will chnage your mind on everything you know. a bit long but worth it must invest your time into your self if you want to be a better version
2 people found this helpful
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- Benjamin Lupton
- 02-02-18
The narration was as phenomenal as the story
This really is the magnum opus of Rand. It takes the ideals introduced in fountainhead and tests them with more realistic circumstances, that spiral into tests to see which themes survive. The narration was captivating, I never wanted to put this book down, and never wanted it to end. You felt all the emotion of every character, every character had distinct voices and personalities, and even the females were feminine and divine. Just truly perfect. If they had oscars for audiobooks, Scott Brick should win it.
2 people found this helpful
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- Valeria
- 23-05-20
A liberal's image of socialism
This novel is a full defense of capitalism by mocking socialist concepts. It is entertaining, worth the listening, the philosophical aspects are well covered, the story keeps you hooked.
The voice was excellent, I could easily identify which character was talking before the "said Mary".
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 21-02-20
Exciting story, inspiring characters.
Interestingly Ayn Rand's philosophy in this book comes down to "Treat others how you want to be treated". It preaches self worth, self love, and self reliance, which makes it a very motivating book to read if you are passionate about self improvement.
The greatest piece of slander about this work, is that Ayn believes that you should have no regard for other people at all. But in reality she promotes cooperation through consensual trade, in all parts of life. The "selfishness" she believes in, is basically to not piggyback on other peoples work, don't leech, and support your own life through your own actions.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 08-09-19
Life changing
So many life lessons in one place. It came to me when I needed it most.
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- sophiek
- 15-04-19
Longer than necessary
Way too long. Socialism capitalism and a revolution. That’s it. I can believe how long it is.
The narrator had three tones: female male and wining. I have listened to other books where even though the character is of same sex the listener can still differentiate the person.
Not a great audio book but maybe I am too fussy. Wouldn’t you if you were to listen to 8 parts of 8hours each?
1 person found this helpful