We

"...she threw her head back, and half closed her eyes and pressed her lips together, and this reminded me of something." (Zamyatin, 225)

It is a journey into insanity, or what One State would call insanity. In reality, this novel is the manuscript of an awakening. Poetry and symbolism run wild to represent the commentary of Russian author, Yevgery Zamyatin. We takes the classic theme of a dystopian novel and brings it to such a personal emotional level that it begins to blur the line between never and reality. 

This is not a romance novel. Zamyatin incorporates sex bravely as an element of power, not deep and tender love. The idea of love is called into question many times with D-503’s inability to recognize the strange emotions he feels. This poses the question of: what is love in our society? And, do we take it for granted? 

We also highlights many of the most tragic struggles we face as humans, and displays the danger in power. The idea of being so regulated and not having any choice over what we do with our time is a frightening thought. The Benefactor and his large steal hand serve as a symbol of what occurs when one single figure is given too much power. 

I enjoyed We for its half-way place between a dream and the most shocking reality. The characters had distinct and memorable personalities that are not soon forgotten. We speaks for the minority and encourages the individual. It is a tremendously powerful novel that has made a large impact, and seeped way into my reading choices and approaches to writing.