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Comments (45)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 45 items
Dec 11, 2023Ladyjade28 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The Sparrow, a speculative book on 'what happens if alien life is discovered and Jesuits go there to explore?', seems to exist in a narrow intersection of science fiction, religious and philosophical pontification, and 90's style snappy…
Oct 17, 2023andreabilyeu rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Love this book! I can't get it out of my head. So much to think about and imagine. The sequel, too, is awesome as it dives more into the culture of the inhabitants of the planet. So very, very interesting. I can totally see humanity…
Jan 31, 2023susanatdotcom rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A Jesuit returns from an interstellar trip, the only survivor. Takes too long to learn what happened that was so disturbing to him. Otherwise some interesting views on relationship of God and Man.
Sep 07, 2022ZepedaL rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Interesting characters, intriguing plot. The author explores first contact as well as faith, and how you can get it so wrong...because you want to believe what you want to believe.
Apr 07, 2022msparr rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
I found this to be closer to religious literature than a literary novel. Very heavy handed on the Jesuit theology. It was also weak as science fiction. One of the attractions of sci fi is that it has to be based on plausible science. This…
Aug 31, 2021
NPR sci if list
Aug 14, 2021lullabyedespise rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
A disturbing science fiction classic with an epic and amazingly complex narrative. It’s been a while since I read a more traditional scifi, where the world elements take precedence over character development. In general, I tend to prefer…
May 24, 2021Femmetellectual rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
*SPOILERS ahead* The writing is fantastic, but the mood and ethics are a bit Heart of Darkness. You probably won't like its message if you are critical of narratives that center the colonizer's conscience. I though the author was going…
Apr 08, 2021firebird770 rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
I did not enjoy this book but it was on our monthly read. I left out large chunks as the dialogue I found crude and meaningless. This is what I drew from the storyline: Undeniable emotion felt by earthly group versus space group in…
Mar 09, 2021
Book #1 (of 2) in the series.
Dec 26, 2018
scifi. a series, the Sparrow Series
Nov 14, 2018ArapahoeLesley rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Mary Doria Russell delves deep into her characters and this classic sci-fi/treatise on morality is full of the thought and meaning that sticks with the reader for over two decades, as it has for me. This novel introduced me to Russell's…
Jul 27, 2018shuraleff rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
I like sci-fi, but The Sparrow? Give me a break.
Sep 27, 2017gumboot_tea rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This book and it's sequel Children of God are a fantastic read for those who like really intelligent Science Fiction. In fact you don't have to be a Sci Fi buff to enjoy these books. I've never forgotten these books and have recommended…
Jun 22, 2017CMLibrary_gjd rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
One of the best books I've ever read! Great, wonderful and thought provoking, this is a must read for anyone interested in human nature and what it means to be "good". Any book club discussing the themes in this work will not be…
Feb 16, 2016ejwheels rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
I quit half way through and I don't even care what happens to these characters! I am surprised that so many loved this one. It sorely needed a good editor. So much of the book felt like character filler that just went on and on.
cgreenly15
Nov 14, 2015
The book kept me reading to see what would happen to Emilio. But it was recommended to me by a librarian for my twelve year old. This is not a book for a tween. So I am glad I read it first
Sep 22, 2015danielestes rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
After reading the prologue and that haunting plea—"They meant no harm"—this rush of foreboding came over me and I sensed I was at the beginning of something extraordinary. And I was not disappointed. Mary Doria Russell has crafted a…
Jun 09, 2015TheAmyLu rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Anne and George are the coolest married couple ever.
Dec 23, 2014WVMLStaffPicks rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A charismatic Jesuit priest and linguist leads a twenty-first century scientific mission to a newly discovered extraterrestrial culture in search of spiritual treasure, but nothing can prepare them for the civilization they encounter.…
May 29, 2014multcolib_rachaels rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Father Emilio Sandoz is a Jesuit linguist who is one of the first to visit the first planet found with intelligent life. His experience is a harrowing illustration at how deeply you can misunderstand words when they a from an experience…
Oct 23, 2013Knitwit50 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
My all time favorite book. Out of this world characters, you inhabit their skins, horrifying deeds done in the name of God and man, rich worlds and vistas and the drama of human emotions.
Aug 13, 2013athena14 rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
I abandoned the book after forcing myself through 14 chapters. Emilio's wonderfulness was as unbearable for me as Sofia's life history and genius.
Apr 08, 2013drok77 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
I have to call this a "good" book because it caused an explosion of ideas and concepts in my head while reading it. I was impressed with the range of themes this story contains. It's theological, sociological, anthropological,…
Mar 21, 2013
Simply incredible. Moderately slow start, but very strong characters and plot. Mature content undoubtedly, but with a satisfying end. Now on to the sequel.