This is a slightly more mature book than any of the others I have previously posted about. Its a bit more mature on a sexual level but were not talking romance novel or anything like that; more like the concepts about marriage in the society in this book are a bit looser.
This is a book about the Oversoul, a satellite computer orbiting the planet Harmony, that contains the history of humanity.
Over forty million years worth of human history.
It is also a book about a city named Basilica. A city ruled by women, where no men can stay overnight unless housed by their mother as children, or their mates as adults.
The main character of this book is a boy named Nafai; pronounced NYAH_fie, because the language of Basilica requires that in most words at least one vowel be pronounced with a leading y sound. I'm certain I will never be able to pronounce all the names in this book.
It is an intriguing tale of family and loyalty. I adore the innocence of the younger characters and the wisdom of the older ones. As with may of his books, Orson Scott Card has created a unique but believable society that draws you in and makes you want to jump right in the book.
Nafai is the youngest son, striving for his fathers approval. His father Volemak, the Wetchik and a very wealthy trader, is endeavoring to keep the peace in his beloved city as well as his family life. Elemak is the oldest son, strong, learned, and a bit cocky. Mebbekew is the second son, with the typical antagonistic middle child syndrome mixed with a touch of art. Then we have Issib, crippled third son of Volemak and by far one of the most interesting and admirable characters I've ever had the fortune to come across.
The women of Basilica are equally fascinating. Luet the Water Seer and her sister Hushidh the Raveler are brave girls with unique powers. Lady Rasa, Volemak's wife and one of the city's most revered teachers, is a refreshing take on femininity and strength. Her daughters, Sevet and Kokor, beautiful songstresses who treat each other abominably, bring a little hint of what is to come in the future of the family wrought from the fabric of basilica to save humanity.
It is hard not to spill the beans when you have read the rest of the series. It is fascinating the way human nature, jealousy, community, greed, love and survival swirl together. As with most great stories the beginning is just the tip of the beautiful and treacherous iceberg. Man and the things he creates is our story. Essentially, in the infinite possibilities conceived of our universe, this could happen. Do we destroy ourselves utterly or do we revert back to the simplicity of survival. Can humanity find the balance? Is it admirable to strive for perfection when perhaps that perfection is making us docile sheep? They always make you think.
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