A visionary work that combines speculative fiction with deep philosophical inquiry, The Sparrow tells the story of a charismatic Jesuit priest and linguist, Emilio Sandoz, who leads a scientific mission entrusted with a profound task: to make first contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life. The mission begins in faith, hope, and beauty, but a series of small misunderstandings brings it to a … brings it to a catastrophic end.
Praise for The Sparrow
“A startling, engrossing, and moral work of fiction.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Important novels leave deep cracks in our beliefs, our prejudices, and our blinders. The Sparrow is one of them.”—Entertainment Weekly
“Powerful . . . The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“Provocative, challenging . . . recalls both Arthur C. Clarke and H. G. Wells, with a dash of Ray Bradbury for good measure.”—The Dallas Morning News
“[Mary Doria] Russell shows herself to be a skillful storyteller who subtly and expertly builds suspense.”—USA Today
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This book is beautiful, brilliant, and devastating. It inspires me to work harder on my own books because it shows what a great book can be. The book’s unusual structure fascinates me as well. It’s a science fiction novel about our quest for something greater–hubris, perhaps? The narrative follows Father Emilio and a cast of engaging …
Fantastic writer. I read all of her books
Thought provoking
An intensely human drama.
There aren’t many books, certainly not modern ones that could tackle the topics that this book takes on and do them justice. To have the central characters be Jesuits and not make them total cardboard cutouts is a challenge if you care what other literary minded people think. Thankfully the author didn’t shrink from the challenge.
The easy tagline is “Jesuits in space” but this meditative science-fiction offering from Mary Doria Russell is really so much more. It works on a surface level as an interesting look at traveling to another inhabited planet, but it also offers some deep consideration of the eternal question, “Why does God let bad things happen to good people?” I …
An amazing book.
Great read
Brilliant, magical and one of the most original books that I have ever read. The sequel is just as magnificent.
Great read. Very thoughtful. I examined my own religious culture.
This is a brilliant book. The author examines very pertinent questions regarding self, beliefs, religion and who we are fundamentally. Highly recommend.
A bit difficult to get into but the payoff is great! I had to go back and reread after finishing it in light of the ending.
Read this book when first published. It haunts my thoughts, still.
Written on so many levels, each challenging one’s thoughts or beliefs, entertains, intrigues and entertains as well.
MUST READ!! the Sequel, “Children of God”. Book Two continues the story, answers missing questions in The Sparrow as well as continues to be intriguing.
Finishes …
I had to put this book down several times before finishing. I was intrigued by the premise , blown away by the plot device and eventually lived and breathed it. I finished the 2nd book of the trilogy and I’m hoping to acquire the third, soon. This was such a unique read. I highly recommend it!
“We are what we fear in others”
“…[Y]ou can’t always know the answer to questions of faith but that the questions are worth asking and worth thinking about deeply”~from an interview with the author.
A group of ragtag scientists and explores of all stripes head off to a far off planet because of the musical greeting they hear on the large array …
One of my favorite books. But then it must be followed immediately by CHILDREN OF GOD. Really one work in two volumes. Unforgettable
I would read anything she writes…. well written and interesting book.
One of the best books I’ve ever read, not just SF.
Extremely good science fiction novel that has believable characters and forces you to think about human society. Touches on a number of philosophical and religious debates which makes for an interesting read. Science fiction that challenges the mind rather than bogs down about the hard science.
This might be one of my all time favorite sci-fi books with a focus on characters and a humanistic approach to contact with an alien culture. Not nearly as much focus on technology as many sci-fi pieces are.