Final answer:
Rand's novel was poorly received due to its controversial content that confronted social norms of the time, leading to censorship and criticism that caused the author to retreat from writing. It was later rediscovered and appreciated for its significance in feminism.
Step-by-step explanation:
​Rand's novel was poorly received upon publication primarily due to its content that clashed with the prevailing social norms and expectations of the time. The negative reception of the novel stemmed from its challenging of traditional morals, especially in its realistic depiction of issues considered taboo, such as women's autonomy and sexuality. Critics found the book to be immoral and unseemly, leading to censorship and strong criticism against the author, which eventually caused the author to withdraw from public life and cease writing. Much later, however, scholars rediscovered the novel, recognizing its significance in the context of the modern feminist movement, leading to its re-emergence and acknowledgment as an important piece of literature.