Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - The Sparrow

The Sparrow
The Sparrow
Author: Mary Doria Russell
The Sparrow is a novel about a remarkable man, a living saint, a life-long celibate and Jesuit priest, who undergoes an experience so harrowing and profound that it makes him question the existence of God. This experience--the first contact between human beings and intelligent extraterrestrial life--begins with a small mistake and ends in a horr...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780679451501
ISBN-10: 0679451501
Pages: 408
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 17

4.3 stars, based on 17 ratings
Publisher: Villard
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 20
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

bvilleborn avatar reviewed The Sparrow on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I liked the book! Very well written and insightful.

[from an online review] -
"In 2019, humanity finally finds proof of extraterrestrial life when a listening post in Puerto Rico picks up exquisite singing from a planet which will come to be known as Rakhat. While United Nations diplomats endlessly debate a possible first contact mission, the Society of Jesus quietly organizes an eight-person scientific expedition of its own. What the Jesuits find is a world so beyond comprehension that it will lead them to question the meaning of being "human." When the lone survivor of the expedition, Emilio Sandoz, returns to Earth in 2059, he will try to explain what went wrong... Words like "provocative" and "compelling" will come to mind as you read this shocking novel about first contact with a race that creates music akin to both poetry and prayer."
reviewed The Sparrow on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not a big sci-fi fan, but found this book to be thorougly enjoyable and interesting. Mary Russell is a very good story-teller and I do want to read the sequel.
Read All 3 Book Reviews of "The Sparrow"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

Judyh avatar reviewed The Sparrow on + 229 more book reviews
Destined to be one of my favorite books of all time. I fell in love with every character, the situation, the misconceptions, it was a very special and unforgettable story. I've recommended it to others countless times and given away several copies. My husband and I still talk about the characters as if we have known them. This is the ultimate man (and woman) encounters alien story.

"In 2019, humanity finally finds proof of extraterrestrial life when a listening post in Puerto Rico picks up exquisite singing from a planet which will come to be known as Rakhat. While United Nations diplomats endlessly debate a possible first contact mission, the Society of Jesus quietly organizes an eight-person scientific expedition of its own. "

Book Wiki

Series
Sparrow  1 of 2
Fictional Places

Genres: