Novels Make Nothing Happen?

So some say. Against all evidence – evidence of the reactionary, in this case:

Since it’s publication in 1957, Atlas Shrugged, the philosophical and artistic climax of Ayn Rand’s novels, has never been out of print. It continues to receive critical attention and is considered one of the most influential books ever published, impacting a variety of disciplines including philosophy, literature, economics, business and political science. A new 432-page book entitled, Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged: A Philosophical and Literary Companion is about to be released by Ashgate Publishing Company and the editor is Wheeling Jesuit University professor, Edward W. Younkins. Younkins is also the author of Capitalism and Commerce, and is executive director of Wheeling Jesuit University’s Institute for the Study of Capitalism and Morality.Celebrating the 50th year of Atlas Shrugged’s publication, this companion book by Younkins is an exploration of Ayn Rand’s pivotal work. Contributions were specially commissioned from a variety of eminent scholars who admire and have been influenced by Rand’s book. Younkins included essays that analyze the novel’s integrating elements of theme, plot and characterization from many perspectives and from various levels of meaning.

Also: The Reactionary Ayn Rand

Evidence of progressive influence in this (and much more): Great Novel of the People — Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo