An Act of Self-Defense: A Review
A gripping novel.
“The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants,” said Thomas Jefferson. Erne Lewis does a terrific job of adapting this theme to 21st-century America in his new novel, An Act of Self-Defense.
Like Atlas Shrugged, his story is set in an immediate future where the economy is collapsing, and more so than in Atlas, personal freedoms are vanishing. Unemployment is at 20 percent and all communications are recorded and tracked by the NSA. RFID badges are worn by all federal employees and will soon be required for all citizens. A small group of patriots takes matters into their own hands, and the action is fast and furious.
Lewis draws the correct battle lines of our time: not left versus right but libertarian versus fascist. The f-word correctly describes anyone on the left or right who would use government power to suppress personal or economic freedom while leaving nominal ownership in private hands. The novel’s villains are of both stripes, some of them decent people who entered politics with good intentions but became corrupted. That leaves libertarians as the only consistent defenders of what Ludwig von Mises called the “Free and Prosperous Commonwealth” founded on the rule of law, particularly respect for property rights.
I had to wonder, when reading his portrayals of atrocities committed by government agents: How much of this is fiction? Can they do such things? Are they close? Have they already? The Patriot Act is law, so the atrocities seem disturbingly plausible.
Modest Objective
Lewis’s patriots aren’t aiming at a complete reboot of the federal system, but something much more modest: term limits. It was a bit of a stretch for me to imagine people risking their lives for this goal or that achieving it would make a revolutionary difference. The basic problem would remain: that the attempt of the framers of the Constitution to limit the power of the federal government has failed. As long as so much loot and so much power are concentrated in Washington, the flies will be drawn to the honey.
The parallels between this tale and Atlas Shrugged are good news and bad news for author Lewis. The movie has heightened interest in Rand’s magnum opus, and he might catch some of that wave. But Rand was a master of theme, plot, characterization, and just plain English composition. Any first novel is bound to fall at least somewhat short of that high standard. For example, at one point he informs us that “the suspense was unbearable” rather than letting readers draw that conclusion from the action.
With Rand’s high standard in mind, I give this book four stars, which is high praise from me. I would give him five for developing his plot. He advances the story a little in one scene, then leaves the reader in suspense as he moves to another scene. This book kept me up late, and I had to finish its 300 pages in just two sittings.
The plot is convincing. Lewis knows what he’s talking about when it comes to communications, computer networking, and military installations. The victories scored by his small band of patriots are amazing but realistic – no deus ex machina here.
Perhaps a Movie?
And what a movie this would make! John Aglioloro has shown the way with his low-budget production of Atlas Shrugged. He will no doubt have his hands full producing the next two parts, but maybe some other producer might be inspired to take up An Act of Self-Defense.
Like Rand, Lewis gives us heroes who are inspirational and yet of this world. They are intelligent, fun-loving, and dedicated to their cause. If there’s anything the young people are starving for these days, it’s heroes such as these.
Tuck this book with you on a long plane ride or to the beach. You’ll zip through it and if you’re like me you may want to give it another more careful read.
Comment by Ernest Roberts on 2 May 2011:
“But Rand was a master of theme, plot, characterization, and just plain English composition.”
This is intended as a joke, right? Rand was a “master” of self promotion, but was a barely mediocre writer. When people say that “it all starts with Ayn Rand” I think they mean that reading her novels starts readers on a search for coherent expressions of the principles of individual liberty. Coherence is the main quality lacking in Rand’s works.
Comment by D. Frank Robinson on 2 May 2011:
Ernest, may I see your 4th novel in Russian?
Comment by Charlie on 2 May 2011:
Okay…I want to know where this guy got his mind-reading equipment! I’ve been toying with a similar novel for years. Perhaps I’ll still write it.
Sounds like an interesting story and I’ll add it to my “read” list.
Comment by Karl Hutchisonb on 2 May 2011:
Mr. Robinson, your response to Ernest is irrelevant. Rand’s literary merit can only be judged in the context of the language in which she wrote. I suspect she would not have it otherwise.
Ernest, I essentially agree with your point that Rand was far from a literary “master”, and that her main accomplishment was to awaken many to an awareness that there is (and should be) an alternative to the increasing collectivization of society. By the way, she did not originate the term “collectivist”…Hayek (or one of his intellectual forebears) did.
Rand was stronger in theme and plot than she was in character development…and character is the mainstay of good fiction. Thus, her “good guys”, in particular, are but two-dimensional cardboard cutouts, far less interesting and believable than her bad guys. Which brings me to my core conclusion, that Rand’s primary value has been in identifying the problem and alerting us to the danger, by presenting to us the world that must inevitably result from unfettered collectivism. Unfortunately, her proposed solution, her Objectivist philosophy, is riddled with inconsistencies, and demonstrates a profound lack of understanding of what it is to be a human being.
As you correctly point out, Ernest, it did not all start with Ayn Rand. She was a messenger. But her message was relevant, then and now. Thus one cannot dismiss her out of hand. As a Cassandra, she has performed a valuable service.
Comment by Norm Galvin on 2 May 2011:
My thanks to Mr. Lewis for a great book. His efforts cost me three hours of sleep because I could not put the book down. When do I get to read his next book?
Comment by h4890 on 2 May 2011:
Agreed! Rands books are quite boring and puerile. No grey, just patches of white and black and after the first few pages that gets boring.
However! The theme and ideas in her books are well worth exploring. Now, I tend to prefer Foucaults Pendulum over any Dan Brown book any day, and I tend to regard Rand as Dan Brown. Now where do I find the Foucaults Pendulum? Ethics of liberty was great, but hardly fiction.
Comment by Ben LaGarde on 2 May 2011:
I can’t wait for Mr. Lewis’ next book on drugs. This one was not only prescient but caused me to rethink many of my thoughts on the topics he raised: term limits, The Patriot Act, politicians, and many more.
Comment by Chris Lewis on 5 May 2011:
It is amazing to me that people who have never or could never write, let alone publish a book and sell more then 10 copies to their family members criticize authors who have sold millions of books. Ayn Rand was a philosophical genius in regards to collectivism/communism and the social interaction of these societies and their repressive govt’s. Her brilliance is unmatched in foreseeing what happens with repressive, socialist, progressive, liberal governments who main goals are to make everyone equal. The virtue of Selfishness is not wrong or evil If we all made a point of exerting ALL of our efforts in advancing ourselves and families, and not expecting someone else to take care of us, then we would all be better off. I don’t need books to find out what it means to be a human being. And what the hell does that mean anyway. Character development is not the determining factor, unless your reading romance novels or mysteries. Ernest’s comment above just shows his arrogance and ignorance. not worth a reply.
Comment by Patriot 2011 on 21 August 2011:
It is already toooooo late. When the imposter entered the white house it was the first sign that the powers that are have complete control of how the election system is managed therefore the once great Republic is dead. When the imposter gets reelected the Constitution will be removed as the supreme law of the land, the Bill of Rights will be passe and the few of us that are truly patriots will be denigrated and eventually incarcerated and “the sheep will begin to bleat” as so adroitly stated in the conclusion of the great book, “Animal Farm”, by George Orwell!