Reviews

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

rwalshtaza's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

emilyb_chicago's review

4.0

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. The characters were great, the science was very plausible for a 15-20 year future and the method of story telling was compelling. I usually am not a fan of telling stories along multiple time threads, but this was deftly done. I really enjoyed the book.

Highly recommend for adult readers.

firiel_earth_maiden's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Child death, and Sexual violence

tehstone's review

challenging dark

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

all_piss_and_vinegar's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Truly some of the best writing I’ve had the pleasure to read in a very long time. The characters are so well written you feel like you know them/love them/hate them, almost immediately. 
As a staunch atheist I found the religious aspects of this book hard to deal with at times but the theology was presented well.

Can’t recommend this book enough to any science fiction fans or fans of great writing

tarostar's review

5.0

A great story about belief, doubt, love, loss and the darker side of both mind and life.

silasburke's review

5.0

holy shit so good. Masterful craft in terms of the dual narration, wonderful characters, stunning details. 

craftsbury's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Thought provoking; some religion but in an introspective way.  Good character development.  Good for a book group discussion.

riestenberger's review against another edition

5.0

My aunt recommended this to me and I wasn't sure about it since it had so much to do with religion.
BUT HOLY COW.
This book was absolutely amazing. It took me a little while to get into it, especially since the story was not told chronologically. Once I did get into though, I was very happy that it was not told chronologically. This book was unlike anything I have ever read and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. I would highly recommend this book to any sci-fi fan.

cygnusxxii's review against another edition

5.0

this is maybe the most important book to me that i’ve ever read. five stars is not enough. have to pack for college but i’m sitting immobilized on my bed. holy shit