mrgxfincher 's review for:

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

5.0

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

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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.