The Ships of Earth

The Ships of Earth is the third book of the Homecoming Saga written by Orson Scott Card.

Related Topics:
Homecoming Saga - Orson Scott Card

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The focus is on the struggles between the pioneers to establish a new social order now that they have left Basilica. The new society is opposite to that of the previous societies - male dominated instead of female dominated, monogamous and lifelong marriages instead of the yearly contracts of Basilica.

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The struggles between the characters come down ultimate to the struggles between Nafai and Elemak, two sons of Rasa and Volemak. Nafai leads the faction who have faith in the Oversoul, while Elemak leads the faction who want desperately to the civilization of doomed Basilica. Both are ostensibly under the leadership of Volemak (and not Rasa, as they had been in the city).

Related Topics:
Nafai - Elemak - Rasa - Volemak - Oversoul

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The settlers, after years of travelling, finally arrive in a city lost in ancient times which holds the secret of the Oversoul. Lots of children are born, all in their preparation for the ultimate journey to Earth.

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The book offers an interesting justification of the social structures of the Hebrew tribes in Genesis, all while the originally powerful female characters gradually succumb to the new hierarchy of "men" and "wives." Only one character - Shedemei, the brilliant genetecist, thinks about this problem.

Related Topics:
Hebrew - Genesis - Shedemei - Genetecist

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The focus in on the group dynamics of the new tribe as they journey where the Oversoul guides them.

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Prophetic dreams abound, mostly involving flying rats and "angels." The Oversoul discovers itself.

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