The Sparrow

Rating:
Summary: Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam
Review: In describing this book to friends, I found it extremely hard to classify. To describe it as a "Jesuits in Space" novel is as insulting as it is inadequate. Technically, it's sci-fi, which I don't tend to read very often, but it also covers anthropology, SETI, social commentary, commentary on the Catholic priesthood & monasticism, the inner workings of sacerdotal celibacy, and on Columbus and the subsequent ugliness that seems to be an inherent part of First Contact situations. Ultimately, though, I'd have to say it's a book about faith, done in such a way and to such a degree that it's not easily ignored. In fact, that's what I eventually had to tell my friends -- "You'll just have to trust me that it's worth reading."

THE SPARROW had my interest within the first 20 pages, and by page 100, it had climbed to my Top 100 List. I thought the dual timeline helpful and interesting. I thought the characters were brilliantly done. Russell does a great job at showing the very intimate motivations of several characters, who manage somehow to be both deep and clever. In fact, very clever. The repartee between the characters is one of my favorite parts of the book. The only thing I can mention as a detraction was that so many characters die "off camera". I was not put off by it, but many readers might be.

As for random observations: 1) The sequel, CHILDREN OF GOD, should be considered the second half of the same book. Definitely read it, and right after the first one. It's a question of symmetry. 2) This is a very disturbing book, but our lives are richer for having them disturbed in this way. 3) Any priest who quotes YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at his own hearing is ok in my book.

Rating:
Summary: "Not One Sparrow Can Fall"
Review: The Sparrow is a novel unlike any other I have read. It is science fiction. science, religion, theology, morality, and adventure all rolled into one. After the discovery of extraterrestrial music coming through space, in the year 2021, the Society of Jesus sent a missionary voyage to the planet Rakhat in the Alpha Centuri solar system to spread the word of God and the Catholic Church. The mission consisted of eight people: four Jesuit priests, a doctor, an engineer, an astronomer and a computer expert, six men and two women. This mixture included believers and non-believers whose personalities meshed in interesting and unexpected ways.
Regardless of the sense of adventure and moments of violence and horror, The Sparrow is basically a story of redemption and the eternal search for God. Father Emilio Sandoz is the main character through whose eyes is revealed a most remarkable story. His own struggle with faith, obedience to God, and to his Jesuit vows makes him the architypical searcher for ultimate reality in a world that is often enigmatic and terrifying. HIs lifelong journey toward faith and belief is at once fulfilling and devastating, and the catharsis he must experience to find redemption is almost beyond human limits.
The novel travels between past and future to reveal the plot and its outcome as the reader becomes acquainted with characters who gradually seem like close friends. The final chapter is open ended, suggesting a sequel which the reader wants at once. The incredible depth of intimacy one feels with the characters along with the soul searching that is personally inevitable, and the suspense that is almost unbearable make The Sparrow a classic in more than one genre. It is a must for all seekers and soul searchers on their own pilgrimages though life and faith.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: What a truly amazing book! I think it must be close to the best book I've ever read. Although it's classed as science fiction, it's better described as a book that examines the soul of man and the nature of faith, and I've never seen it done better. There will be people who don't "get" this book and will consider her writing juvenille in places but then again there are people who consider Picasso unskilled. Buy this book and enjoy.