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)

Rather tedious

I am a fan of Orson Scott Card's Sci-fi stories. I love the characters, background, culture, dialogs and twists of the story. However I find some part of this book rather tedious to listen to; I actually skipped a few chapters! The narrator did a good job telling the story with various voices for different characters.

Jump into a Nother fantastic story line and universe with orson Scott card

I knew after listening to enders game, and then continuing along the journey through several books, that I would not be let down by this new series to jump into.

I was nervous, what I like the new characters, but I'd like the new plot and story line, but all was perfect.

I had my favorite narrator at my side with the vocals and pauses and freezing and tone of voice that I loved

meh

Meh, its okay. I would probably listen to the rest of the series just because it is pretty mindless, and it doesn't suck, but it is a pretty transparently shallow attempt to rewrite the Biblical story... and somewhat insulting at that to a devout Christian. Fortunately, I am secure enough in my faith to just be slightly disappointed that the attempt was

An engaging story

The story is an easy listen. The author does a good job in developing the characters and engaging the listener in the story. This book compares very favorably with other stories by Mr Card where he develops a believable society, and then spins a story with depth. Once the story is completely told, it may deserve five stars.

Always a pleasure

Orson Scott Card always has a way to draw the reader in, to make them feel like they are a part of the story and they they have a vested interest in where the story will end. Bring on the next book please!

Adventurers on behalf of the Oversoul

Takes place 30 million years from now (May 2023), part of the Homecoming Series: Memory of Earth, The Call of Earth, The Ships of Earth, Earthfall, Earthborn. The hero is 14 in this book, youngest of five brothers. He and his father are the ones selected by the Oversoul (who isa computer that's dying) to help save the world from male violence.

Better than I remember it

I read this book (and indeed this entire series) about 7 years ago - its been a pleasure to revisit the world of harmony. The reader narrates the book very well, giving each of the characters both a fitting and distinguishable voice during dialogue. In narrative, the reader is clear and easy to understand allowing the listener to drift into the world.

My favorite series so far....

I have read this series bunches of times. This is my absolute favorite series of books from him. I look forward to the other books on audible.

Good Story but was unimpressed with role reversals

I really like stuff like this written by women because men have a tendency to oversimplify the female psyche.

Noah?

This series is the story of Noah with a little Cain and Abel thrown in. I liked the series, though it contained some of the most reprehensible characters I have read about in a long time. It is bleak speculation that, in 40 million years, men can't stop killing each other.