PARABLE OF THE SOWER

Although the theme that "God is change" is the foundation of this science fiction novel, pages and pages go by with nothing but the same old lootings and violence taking place in that science fiction staple, "the not-too-distant future." However, as protagonist Lauren Olamina develops the tenets of her Earthseed religion to address the anarchy, narrator Lynne Thigpen delivers a performance perfectly appropriate to the proceedings: solemn, thoughtful, and pointedly challenging to listeners' notions of society and religion. Although the material is less than engrossing, Thigpen makes intelligent artistic choices in the way she brings it to life. J.P.M. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 01]