The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

The Sparrow (The Sparrow, #1)

by Mary Doria Russell

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

Reviewed by lovelybookshelf on

5 of 5 stars

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This book is beautiful, thoughtful, peaceful and serene, yet at times it's horrific and terrifying. I wanted to read this slowly so I could savor every page. Then the last 100 pages or so, I wanted to race through it because I HAD to know what had happened. This book was outstanding. The characters and their situations are rich and complex, and there are endless things to think about as far as issues regarding faith, society, first contact, and so much more. Best book I've read in a long time.

Video mini review originally posted on my blog, A Lovely Bookshelf on the Wall.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 26 June, 2014: Finished reading
  • 26 June, 2014: Reviewed