The Sparrow: A Novel (The Sparrow, #1)

by Mary Doria Russell

4.18 of 5 stars 14 ratings • 4 reviews • 29 shelved
Book cover for The Sparrow

Bookhype may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.

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
  • ISBN10 0449912558
  • ISBN13 9780449912553
  • Publish Date 8 September 1997 (first published 9 September 1996)
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country US
  • Publisher Random House USA Inc
  • Imprint Fawcett