The Sparrow
By Mary Doria Russell
- Release Date: 1996-09-09
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
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 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
Reviews
Compelling, but not for the faint of heart
4By cpandamarieThe Sparrow wasn’t entirely what I had expected. The delivery isn’t always perfect, but all in all this is both a compelling and heartbreaking story. Read it. But be aware it is not for the faint of heart. I’m not sure I’ve ever cried so hard after finishing a book, but there are moments of pure philosophical beauty that make it well worth the read.Love it
5By chandiaWell written, well informed, a funfilled read.No sci fi here
1By rangertau10 pages of sci-fi and 300 pages of angst ridden relationships. So boring I wish I could get a refund. Writing was average. Story telling was average. How is this a visionary classic?The Sparrow
4By McKenzieATSlow trudge but builds characters and ends with meaning.Jesuits In Space
5By bllrmdncrSee, you're interested now, aren't you? Thats is how I discovered this amazing book at a large independent bookstore, was the recommendation shelf tag said, "Jesuits... in... Space!!!!!" and you just can't walk away from that. I have given at least ten copies to various friends, as well as the sequel, and recommended it to numerous others. Definitely in my top ten favorite books. It's not about the aliens, or the space ship, or the people who are traveling, but meeting a new culture, new species, and how badly... well you'll just have to find out. And then you'll want the sequel.Speechless
5By helipilot_riveraThis book has no equal. In this age of endless distractions due to music, TV, text messages, web surfing and such, I found myself unable to put this book down...I also want to add that I normally read nonfiction. The Sparrow was so well written, so well prepared, the characters so well developed... This is the first 500 page book I have ever read and there were many many instances where I highlighted quotes from one of the characters. The book has many passages that make you reflect on your own morals and your own take on life. BUY IT. Fixing to read the sequel :)Thought-provoking, astounding novel
5By ainaofI first read this novel a number of years ago. I shared it with as many people as I could, literally pressing copies into the hands of a few friends. I re-read it at least once a year. I learn something, think about something, or realize something new every single time I read it. This novel accomplishes everything the best science fiction does. It makes you think, it makes you question, it touches you and invites you to explore your humanity. Absolutely on my must read list.100 Words or Less
3By JRubinoThere are many things to like about Russell’s novel. It’s a realistic look at space exploration. It’s filled with clever ideas behind alien civilization. The way it builds suspense throughout the first half of the novel is really good. However, the key words “first half of the novel” does not bode well. That’s because the deeper I got, the more the plot and characters lost their edge. Oh, it’s a good novel. Well written, well thought out. It has some great moments. But a few missteps here and there unfortunately change a great novel into something that is merely good.Amazing~
5By Cooper's LifeI don't read that often and when I do it has to be great. This book was AWESOME! Reading it more than once still gave the the same chills, smiles and tears. Don't think, just buy it.Amazing novel.
5By PandaimanThis is, perhaps, the best book I have read. It is not only beautifully written and engaging, but thought provoking. This book, and its sequel "Children of God" are the only books I actually crave to re-read. The story intertwines science, religion, humanity, linguistics, society, justice, love, joy, grief and pain with characters the reader cares about. Because this book covers such a broad spectrum of subjects, I've found it difficult to convey to my friends and family why they should spend the time to read this story. The description mentions extraterrestrial life, but it is not an illogical sci-fi story. It deals with solid issues using the backdrop of another civilization where the rules for life are different. The mixing of societies with widely varied social norms leads to the readers realization of amazing concepts and eagerness to devour the story.
