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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
I am rarely this blown away by a scifi novel, but The Sparrow transcends the genre. Beautiful, tragic, powerful and intelligent. Russell creates a full cast of complete and loveable characters, an in-depth exploration of God and a believable new world. And does it all in a novel that you can't put down until the last heart-wrenching chapter has ended.
27 stars. I can't review this book because it broke me. Magnificent. A masterpiece. Instant favorite. Why had I never heard of it before a friend said to me these three insane words: "Jesuits. In. Space."
I rarely read in this genre so was pleasantly surprised to find I cared about the characters so much and wanted to learn of their fate. A fascinating and enjoyable read.
the first catholic space mission to mars...and what it finds there sorely challenges the faith of its protagonist. One of my top favorites.
I do still love this book. It's so immersive and speaks about religion interestingly. Reading it twenty years later, I do see that some of the things that drew me in so emotionally do not so much. But I still love what it has to say about society, love, and our need for God.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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:
Yes
In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.
God, this book. I don’t think I’ve read something that disturbed me so much. It’s brilliant, unbelievably ambitious (especially for a first novel?!), respectful, unflinching. The last third of the book was a bit rushed and unbearably punishing. So many lovable, sweet characters with complex backstories and motives. I need to reread this once I feel a little less traumatized by it.
dark
emotional
reflective
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Grief
Moderate: Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Cannibalism, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
This book is a lot to process. Authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Larry Niven probed the intersection between science and spirituality during the purported "Golden Age of Science Fiction," but Mary Doria Russell takes that exploration to new heights. This is a science fiction tale in setting, but it is a character-driven exploration of faith at its core. I can honestly say I've never read anything quite like it.
The author was raised in the Catholic church, but left at the age of 15 and eventually converted to Judaism. The Sparrow reads very much like the work of someone grappling with the evolution of her faith, and I mean that as high praise. The book stands tall on the strength of its convictions, and the questions it asks and concepts it grapples with create a web that is not so much tangled as intricately woven. This is not a book that provides easy answers, but one which presents you with the ruin of a life and invites you to explore the depths of a broken soul.
To say I was moved by this book is an understatement. I cannot say enough good things about it.
The author was raised in the Catholic church, but left at the age of 15 and eventually converted to Judaism. The Sparrow reads very much like the work of someone grappling with the evolution of her faith, and I mean that as high praise. The book stands tall on the strength of its convictions, and the questions it asks and concepts it grapples with create a web that is not so much tangled as intricately woven. This is not a book that provides easy answers, but one which presents you with the ruin of a life and invites you to explore the depths of a broken soul.
To say I was moved by this book is an understatement. I cannot say enough good things about it.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated