The original post: /r/books by /u/-Beric- on 2025-01-13 09:10:12.

I have just finished reading Parable of the talents. As many others here, I think it is a great book. It is incredible how prescient it is, and the descriptions of the life in that “not-so-fictional” America are both relatable and terrifying.

But…

I find the ending rushed, and I don’t think it fits the tone of the rest of the book. Honestly, I feel the whole Earthseed a bit out of place. While I was reading I thought that it was just a way to introduce a non-confrontational religion, and oppose it to the actions of the Christian America followers. But then in the last chapters Earthseed becomes a powerful religion/organization, creating a king of happy ending that for me felt extremely rushed.

It feels kind of magical. Olamina starts talking to random people that hired her for small jobs, and they quickly become so interested that they introduce her to friends, and everyone seems to be immediately hooked to Earthseed. Then they offer houses to their first followers, without even knowing them. And soon she is talking at universities, travelling around the country, leading a global movement. I understand that the author is talking about the how we need purpose in our lifes, and all those middle-class people joining Earthseed were lacking purpose, but still I find it incredible. A homeless person starts talking about a new religion/system of believes, and soon she becomes a glogal leader. And we don’t even get some chapters to see how it grows. I cannot buy it. It is a pity, because this ending has left me with a bitter taste after reading a book I was loving. Is there anybody else who felt the same?