A review by redporchinverter
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

adventurous challenging dark hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The last act of The Sparrow felt rushed to me, perhaps because the novel’s dual-timeline structure means the emotional fallout is all detailed before we learn the source of Emilio’s trauma. But I can’t think of another science-fiction book that captures the thrill, mystery, and joy of both scientific and spiritual exploration and how they’re intertwined so vividly and thoughtfully. I want to hang out with Anne Edwards, though I’d feel way out of my depth intellectually and conversationally.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings