The Sparrow: A Novel (Book 1 of 2) [B0611]

2008 PB reprint of the 1996 original. 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.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Great storytelling! And asks a lot of interesting questions"; "Brutal and heartbreaking. I loved the dual timelines and the way the author slowly built the story. We knew the basis for the ending right away, but not the journey there. We really get to know the characters, their personalities, and the way they connect to each other. I loved the religious aspect and how we see the different views on theology through different lenses both from the Jesuit priests with very different backgrounds and the agnostic. I loved the presentation of morality through the sci-fi lense. Not a book I will forget anytime soon."; "A terrific work of science fiction fused with Christian themes and characters. "