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