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)

3.5

The story is good - all of Mr. Cards are...but it leaves you dangling - an obvious ploy for the next book. Since I got it during one of the specials, I didn't pay full price or a use one of my credits, otherwise I wouldn't have given it a 3.5. I think probably this and the next book should have been combined into one book for the same price (with a better resolution). If that had been the case, it would have gotten a 4 or 4.5.

A lesser retelling of the Book of Mormon

The story of this series is in my opinion, hardly Card's best work, that being Ender's Game.

The series is blatantly a retelling of the book of 1st Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Take that as you will. It is not a wholesale copy, but there are a number of commonalities. A non-member may find the story alright enough.

As a Latter-day Saint however, I am frankly slightly appalled at the way Card presented characters such as Nephi ("Njafai") that are sk referenced in our church. A scriptural character which stood for dilligence, obedience, for honor, is depicted in a number of unpleasant situations that many church members may find uncomfortable. Even aside from that, for Latter-day Saints who are well familiar with this story, the added characters and world are not enough to make the story especially entertaining.

If you want great sci fi or fantasy from a Latter-day Saint author, Brandon Sanderson is far better, only using scripture as inspiration for details, characters, and themes, rather than something like this. I think his work in general is far higher in consistent quality.

Whether you are a Latter-day Saint or not, you will enjoy something like Mistborn or Elantris far more than Memory of Earth.

Straight out of the Bible

A good story in the Bible but this was heavily influenced by the fall of Jerusalem (I think, it's been awhile) including the successful procurement of the Golden plates, which held the history of the people.

interesting and unusual

At times, I felt like I was listening to a religious experience book. It was strange in an uncommon way. I am left wondering what direction the next installment will take.

loved this book

It was very riveting book, lots of different stories and ideas going around. sometimes hard to back up bec sa use I missed something. It was worth it though..

Good book!

This story is based on a very cool premise. The characters are interesting. And it has a wonderfully immersive plot.

My only complaint is that the premise of the story, by definition, allows for a bit too much deus ex machina.

If you get this you gotta get all in the series

Would you listen to The Memory of Earth again? Why?

i will listen to this one again, i didnt realize that this would be as good as it was.

What did you like best about this story?

it makes you think

Which scene was your favorite?

when he went for the index and had to battle with the oversoul and his own beliefs

Any additional comments?

i got all of the siries and it was well worth it

I am amazed

I wasn't sure exactly about the story, there is alot more going on and its really interesting. Though I don't know if humans can ever be peaceful.

Normally I like cerebral characters...

But Nafai engages in a little too much introspection. Particularly during action sequences: one wouldn't expect him to be assessing his life choices as he is being chased by assassins. Suffice to say that I'm going on to book two so I guess that means this book left a positive impression on me.

Biblical Scale Fantacy - Science Fiction Adventure

What did you love best about The Memory of Earth?

I love the essence of the story. I have always enjoyed stories with a grand scale in which the characters soar. This has the feel of a coming of age story, but the young man in question has the ability to alter the world in which he comes of age. Yes, the ground Card covers here is familiar and I get why many reviewers don't love the book, but I enjoyed it fully! Don't expect to read something like you've never read before - you won't find it here. However, if you go along for the ride you will be pleased. If you know biblical history you'll be even more pleased. There is not an exact parallel. This is not a re-telling of the Old Testament, but many of the themes are the same. Certainly, the Oversoul is NOT the God of the bible, but you won't be able to help making comparisons.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Njafai is the easy (and obvious) choice, but many of the charactes are likeable. The players in this tale are almost never all bad or all good. Even some of the villians have a sympathetic side.

Have you listened to any of Stefan Rudnicki’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never listened to the narrator before, but he does a great job. He has a very deep voice that, at times, sounds godlike. Well done.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The future is our past.