Patrick Peterson's Reviews > The Chartreuse Clue

2021-01-24 I have a story about this book. I read it because the author contacted me because of my interest in the books/ideas of Ayn Rand! He was a former priest who took some interest in Rand's work, and put some (little) amount of her ideas into his book(s).

Not sure how, but he found out that I was a leader of a little group that admired, read and discussed books/ideas by and about Ayn Rand. But somehow he did and asked to meet. We met, had a good conversation and I got interested in reading his book. The book is a good murder-mystery, has some fascinating discussions on philosophy, religion (between a catholic bishop(?) and a protestant proselytizer) and a reference or two(?) about Rand or her ideas.

Sorry, but I can't remember what the reference(s) was/were about, but I do remember that the author did not represent Rand's idea(s) fairly/truthfully. I remember having several phone &/or e-mail/letter discussions with the author about it too. He was obstinate that he was right, even though he knew little about Rand's ideas, and typically misrepresented them. Sad. But all too common.

Even though Ayn Rand was a VERY clear writer, people have and continue to misinterpret her ideas - whether consciously or not, is hard to say sometimes. But the amount and degree of false statements about what she wrote about is incredible. Her ideas, and the basic logic she uses, contradicts what so many people were brought up to believe (as opposed to reasoning things out) that it seems they just can't fathom the reality of the ideas.

But this book is not primarily, or even secondarily, about Rand's ideas at all. It is a neat mystery/thriller and can be appreciated fully on that level. But because of my experience with this particular issue, which is important to me, is why I gave the book only 3 stars.

Enjoy.