The Sparrow: A Novel

As a lover of science fiction, though typically in cinematic form rather than print, and a major in Philosophy I was extremely anxious to see how Russell was going to blend faith, religion, philosophy and alien worlds. Russell did not disappoint as she seamlessly disguised major faith related questions in imaginative scenarios that are distant enough from our own reality to keep us intrigued, yet close enough to keep the character relatable. The story takes place in both 2019 and 2060, jumping back and forth between the two time frames (a feature I particularly enjoyed being a fan of the TV show LOST). It follows the physical and spiritual journey of Emilio Sandoz, a Jesuit Priest on a first mission expedition to the planet Rakhat, from which a distant broadcast transmission had been intercepted. In some ways, the alien planet story takes a back seat to the story of how Emilio seems to lose his faith, or at least have it deeply shaken. Emilio set out on the mission believing it to be God’s will and even divinely orchestrated. However, as the mission goes farther and farther south, this original belief of divine planning seems to undermine his faith. Emilio is immediately confronted with the problem of evil in a very physical, emotional and intellectual way. His struggles are compounded by the belief of others that he is a steadfast believer and one to be praised; yet he feels his faith to be crumbling inside. My reading of this novel has encouraged me to continue my journey in sci-fi literature and explore the great many ways in which philosophy and theology can be introduced to a widespread audience beyond academia.

4.5 stars! The Sparrow chronicles a near-future, Jesuit-led mission to an alien planet. The mission was ignited by the receipt of a signal from a distant galaxy that was deciphered and discovered to be the sound of voices singing. For the main character, a Jesuit priest named Emilio Sandoz, this was to be a magnificent undertaking to make first contact with God's other children. Unfortunately, things go horribly wrong. The story alternates between two perspectives: the "present" where Sandoz has returned to Earth and is being questioned by Jesuit leaders about the tragic events that took place on the planet, and the past where the signal is discovered and the journey is undertaken. I have to admit that I was disappointed with the first half of the book. While I did enjoy the way the characters engaged with each other and I also enjoyed the bits of humor I fused through the book, it started very slowly and I just wasn't locked in. However, the story's culmination was incredibly moving. The only other story that moved me in a similar way was [book:Oryx and Crake|46756]. Suddenly, the beauty of the writing jumped out at me. Sandoz's struggles with his faith being shaken by what transpired on the foreign planet suddenly began to resonate. Not being able to get into the story early on is the only reason I didn't give five stars. If you're a ything like me, I'd say to give The Sparrow a chance. It will definitely be worth your while.

This didn't live up to all the hype and reviews for me. This was a very slow, slog of a read, it had some redeeming parts in the beginning and near the end, but nothing really ever really hooks you and keeps your interest. And I didn't get into the Emilio and Sofia storyline at all. I'd give this a 2.5 star read, and won't be reading the sequel.