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
more
Have you ever read a book that you knew instantly you should have read years ago?
I knew it after reading the first chapter of The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell.
I was working at a mom-and-pop bookstore in Santa Fe, NM in 1996 when this novel was published. I remembered the sales rep from Random House promoting The Sparrow at that bookstore and …
Go to another world with this thought-provoking book.
A very original book, not just a science fiction book, This lady is a fine writer and only this book and its sequel are science fiction. Once you have read this you’ll want to read more.
This is the only book in my life that I have read three times. The third time was because the author came to town for a reading! She is a miniature ball of fire!
Totally not what I expected!! But I was so enthralled with this book. It is a forever on my shelves book!!
“The Sparrow” by Mary Doria Russell is a book about relationships and communication. This story is set in the future with a Jesuit priest as the main character, although having said that, every single character is a stand-alone with perfect flaws and soul-wrenching qualities. But why does this book matter, well, where do I begin? The author …
Impossible to categorize; impossible to forget. Read the sequel too, Children of God.
Jesuits in space. Nothing better.
Unusual
Mixed feelings on this…I don’t think humanity would be so wimpy in a situation like this, with contact with a less technologically evolved species.
Interesting but troubling sci fi. Earth finds another civilization which creates wonderful music. But when the earth people finally get to the planet, they find that things are horrifying rather than beautiful. This book left me feeling troubled in a way that I could never recommend it to anyone.
Very prescient sci fi looking out to the future. The characters and plot have wonderful depth as does the theme of projecting our values onto beings very different from ouselves.
Very different but equally interesting.
Very heavy-duty issues dealt with in this Shakespearean sci-fi novel. LOVED it!
Book seemed to drag on and on. Very well written but I lost interest 3/4 of the way through the book. I actually never finished it and that rarely happens.
A provocative look at first contact with “others.”
This book was absolutely horrible. I will never read this author again. How could anyone torture a person mentally and physically that way. Once I start a book I finish it regardless. This book hurt my heart.
As a sci-fi book this one was a total surprise. it was much deeper or more thought provoking than usual sci-fi’s. The multiple plot lines, the wonderful realistic character development, the new twists on space travel, and the totally believable alien characters were inspiring. Loved it.
One of the best books I’ve read in many years.
Not for the faint of heart! Great Sci-Fi novel that starts on earth and ends up on another planet. Tells how the group of astronauts get there, and how they learn to communicate with the aliens/natives of the new planet. Great relationship building, awesome characters, twists and turns. Must read Children of God to find out what happens in the …