Book 1 - The Sparrow Series

The Sparrow

A Novel

    • 4.2 • 328 Ratings
    • $10.99
    • $10.99

Publisher 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

GENRE
Fiction & Literature
RELEASED
1996
September 9
LANGUAGE
EN
English
LENGTH
528
Pages
PUBLISHER
Random House Publishing Group
SELLER
Penguin Random House LLC
SIZE
5.9
MB

Customer Reviews

cpandamarie ,

Compelling, but not for the faint of heart

The 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.

bllrmdncr ,

Jesuits In Space

See, 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.

helipilot_rivera ,

Speechless

This 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 :)

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