The Memory of Earth

Homecoming, Volume 1

By: Orson Scott Card

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

High above the planet Harmony, the Oversoul watches. Its task, programmed so many millennia ago, is to guard the human settlement on this planet, to protect this fragile remnant of Earth from all threats...to protect them, most of all, from themselves.

The Oversoul has done its job well. There is no war on Harmony. There are no weapons of mass destruction. There is no technology that could lead to weapons of war. By control of the data banks, and subtle interference in the very thoughts of the people, the artificial intelligence has fulfilled its mission.

But now there is a problem. In orbit, the Oversoul realizes that it has lost access to some of its memory banks, and some of its power systems are failing. And on the planet, men are beginning to think about power, wealth, and conquest.

©1992 Orson Scott Card (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"I'm hooked....A thoroughly enjoyable piece of storytelling. What the heck - bring on number two." ( Chicago Tribune)
"Card is a master storyteller, and The Memory of Earth is eminently readable." ( The Seattle Times)

Card is favorite author!!

This book is not a let down but proof Card can do anything and make it believable!!

Slow start but better towards the end.

The story was slow to get moving, but was faster paced as the story progressed.

Another wonderful sci fi by Card

Another wonderful sci fi by Orson Scott Card. The baritone voice over was solid too.

Book of Mormon retelling

Anyone who wants to read the book of Mormon should just read this instead. Its more entertaining with more realistic characters and still has all the philosophy and moral undertones. The scifi explanations also seem more plausible than Joseph Smiths book. However I much prefer Cards Ender and Shadow series to this scifi fantasy retelling of religious tales.

Meaningful talk about prayer

Orson Scott Card is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints and a science fiction writer. I am a Pentecostal and evangelical Christian. We have significant theological differences. Nonetheless I return again and again to this series because the discussion contained throughout the books of what it is like to hear the voice of God resonates deeply with me.

Solid

An interesting story and an intriguing beginning in a unique world worthy of exploration.

fabulous getting the other two <br />

love everything about it. imagine a future far away and preparing to come home. Once again Orson Scott Card magic

Vintage Card - Couldn't stop listening

First of all, you have to listen to them in order:
The Memory of Earth
The Call of Earth
The Ships of Earth
Earthfall
Earthborn

Stefan Rudnicki is my all-time favorite naarator, and he certainly didn't disappoint me in this one. I really enjoy hearing the Russian-sounding names rolling easily off his tounge.
Card returns to a recurring theme in his books. An honest, good-hearted brother who wants nothing more than to earn the love of his cynical, self-serving brother
(Alvin/Calvin Ender/Peter...) All the elements of a classical OSC novel - some mysticism, good solid sci-fi, romance, and self-discovery. His character development is superb, as usual.
Warning: If you purchase the first one, be prepared to purchase the other four. You won't be able to stop.

One of the best

This is my favorit book of Orson Scott Card's many. It captures the imagination and spirit which can only be found in Anime (the coupling of futuristic grand technology with a less evolved society).

In my opinion this should be on everyone's list of books

Enjoyable!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I really enjoyed this book, the whole series in fact. Once again Orson Scott Card does not fail to engage his readers with rich descriptions of the characters, the culture and political systems of his world. I also was entertained by the notion of the Oversoul, a computer that has become the supreme being of the world Harmony. It can influence people by making them un-think dangerous ideas, and can appear as a vision in order to get people to do what it needs them to do for society. As is common in Mr. Card's books, you get the sense of his LDS doctrine in these stories, but I don't believe it to be offensive. This book never seems to get boring and made the trip from Boise to Seattle entertaining and less tedious.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed how Mr. Card organized his culture to be matriarchal, but men were still valued. I also liked the drama of the interactions between the characters, how Nefai's two oldest brothers were always plotting against him, and the motivations of the characters to act, react, and interact with each other.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scenes were with Nefai and Issib learning they can fight against the Oversouls power to think of things such as airplanes other ideas of warfare.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I am very easily moved to tears and easy to laugh, and while I chuckled at many parts this book is not for someone looking to be moved emotionally.