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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Rape, Cannibalism
3.5 stars
I’m not even sure what to say about this. It’s easy in some parts and horribly difficult in others.
In the main, it is excellently written and characterized. The science fictional setting is necessary for framing the events, but the story itself is not about science but more about the characters’ personal journeys of faith, of love and friendship, of community and compassion.
Not a quick or lightweight read but ultimately worth the effort. I didn't love it intensely as so many people seem to, but I can appreciate the appeal and I would like to read the sequel, [b:Children of God|16948|Children of God (The Sparrow, #2)|Mary Doria Russell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1373509005l/16948._SY75_.jpg|882029], as I understand it functions as a true second half of this story.
I’m not even sure what to say about this. It’s easy in some parts and horribly difficult in others.
In the main, it is excellently written and characterized. The science fictional setting is necessary for framing the events, but the story itself is not about science but more about the characters’ personal journeys of faith, of love and friendship, of community and compassion.
Not a quick or lightweight read but ultimately worth the effort. I didn't love it intensely as so many people seem to, but I can appreciate the appeal and I would like to read the sequel, [b:Children of God|16948|Children of God (The Sparrow, #2)|Mary Doria Russell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1373509005l/16948._SY75_.jpg|882029], as I understand it functions as a true second half of this story.
Wow. This book gives you a lot to think about. I loved the way the story pieced together through two different time lines of the before/during and the after the expedition. It provokes thought on "what is meant to be" versus the decisions we make. Is God leading us and showing us the way or are we choosing to see what appears to be a sign from God?
I loved that the strengths and intellectual expertise of the main characters converge as the perfect team of explorers. There lives come together as if divined. The main character Emilio is so deep and rich. He seems like such a good person with out pretense. He is so likable and so people cling to him and follow him. It was heart wrenching to see him reaching for God and answers, following his purpose, only to be broken to pieces, to be reduced to nothing.
I also appreciated the intellectual level of prose that had me looking things up on the internet! It was technical at times, and sometimes there was clarity in explanations, however it didn't come off as pretentious or pedantic.
I loved that the strengths and intellectual expertise of the main characters converge as the perfect team of explorers. There lives come together as if divined. The main character Emilio is so deep and rich. He seems like such a good person with out pretense. He is so likable and so people cling to him and follow him. It was heart wrenching to see him reaching for God and answers, following his purpose, only to be broken to pieces, to be reduced to nothing.
I also appreciated the intellectual level of prose that had me looking things up on the internet! It was technical at times, and sometimes there was clarity in explanations, however it didn't come off as pretentious or pedantic.
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-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
There is a sense of foreboding from the very beginning, but you can't help but experience the trip alongside the characters. I read and reread the parts about first contact - felt so real and truly glorious. I felt a full range of emotions on this one. Just an amazing read that will stay with me
November’s book club selection, which I am a little late in finishing. This is definitely not a book I would have picked up on my own, but I truly enjoyed it. It is science fiction, not my favorite genre. My favorite aspect of the book though was the religious. It is the story a Jesuit priest/linguist, who along with three other priests, an astronomer, a physician, an engineer and a computer expert who journey to another planet.
2011 re-read: I liked the book even better on my second read and upped my rating to 4 stars. This time I really appreciated the characterizations, along with the religious theme.
"Jeusits tended to be men who found God in their work, whether that work was scholarly or more practical social service. Whatever their calling, they devoted themselves to it and did so in the name of God." (50)
"He hesitated, probing old wounds, and found them scabbed over." (337)
2011 re-read: I liked the book even better on my second read and upped my rating to 4 stars. This time I really appreciated the characterizations, along with the religious theme.
"Jeusits tended to be men who found God in their work, whether that work was scholarly or more practical social service. Whatever their calling, they devoted themselves to it and did so in the name of God." (50)
"He hesitated, probing old wounds, and found them scabbed over." (337)
I normally tear through books when in on vacation, but this took a while, mostly because I really savored each word. It was beautifully written and challenged me to consider the simultaneously stark and blurry line between science and religion.
A hard questioning of the value faith (among other things) disguised as sci-fi. Challenging and well-written, as is always the case with Art.
If you have not read this book, you MUST find a copy immediately and read it. It is classified as Sci/Fi but I would call is something along the lines of a spiritual anthropological warning tale set in the future. One of the most engaging and lovable main characters to appear in a long time.