Book of my Life: Alejandra Ortiz about 'We the Living' van Ayn Rand

6 December 2024 Podcast

Alejandra Ortiz | By Stijn de Vries

Listen to the Book of My Life podcast, where writers share the book that has inspired or moved them—the book that has shaped their artistic, moral, or intellectual compass. In short, the book they recommend to everyone. This podcast is a re-publication of the live program, part of the annual Writers Unlimited International Literature Festival The Hague.

In this (mostly) English spoken episode, Alejandra Ortiz chose as favourite book We the Living by Ayn Rand. First published in 1936, it portrays the impact of the Russian Revolution on three human beings who demand the right to live their own lives and pursue their own happiness.

During the 2024 Writers Unlimited Festival, in conversation with Abdelkader Benali, she shared how this book has inspired or moved her.

This podcast is released in the run-up to the annual Writers Unlimited International Literature Festival The Hague. Listen to the podcast here or via your favorite podcast platform.

In this first season of the Book of My Life podcast, we’re not only revisiting recent conversations but also diving into the archives. In celebration of 30 years of Writers Unlimited, we’ve selected several memorable episodes from the past—featuring both Book of My Life and Text of My Life—that have stayed with us over the years.

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20 May 2026

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