As the Oversoul recognized that the failures of the control system were beyond its ability for self-repair, it moved to contact a family that was particularly sensitive to its calling. In The Memory of Earth, the Oversoul had revealed itself to certain members of the family and gave them dreams of the fate of Harmony in order to get their attention. In this story, the Oversoul revealed in more detail its grand plan, namely to send a contingent back to Earth in order to go to the source of rebirth for the control system of Harmony. However, even within the chosen family, there is strife, bitterness, jealousy, and in-fighting. Yet the Oversoul is still directing the people and shaping their future, even when they think they have control over their own choices and their own rebellion.
This work of science fiction is an allegory for the underpinnings of the Mormon religion and some reviewers that I have come across have not been able to get beyond this. However, I know nothing about Mormonism and simply approached this book as a work of fiction. I found that the story was tightly woven together. Card did a great job in continuing to develop and craft the characters, their interactions, and their relationships. Some people when faced with hard choices choose to look toward the greater good of others. Some look to see what will benefit them the most. Yet we are all connected to the lives of those around us. Sometimes, however, the sacrifices of a few can outshine the selfishness of many. A very enjoyable story. Now, onto the third book in the series, The Ships of Earth.
