description The Sparrow Overview
Mary Doria Russell's 1996 novel follows a privately organized expedition to Rakhat after alien radio transmissions suggest an intelligent civilization. Jesuit priests and lay companions undertake the journey with scientific curiosity and religious hope. Their attempt to understand another society brings questions of language and belief into direct contact with the difficulty of interpreting unfamiliar customs. The narrative alternates between the expedition and its aftermath, when Father Emilio Sandoz returns as its sole survivor.
Knowledge of his suffering changes the meaning of the earlier scenes without immediately explaining what happened. Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the James Tiptree Jr. Award, The Sparrow suits readers drawn to literary first-contact fiction and morally difficult questions about faith.
Its emphasis falls on people trying to understand one another, and on the damage that sincere intentions cannot always prevent.
help The Sparrow FAQ
What is the plot of Mary Doria Russell's novel "The Sparrow"?
The narrative follows a group of Jesuit priests and lay people who travel to the planet Rakhat after intercepting alien radio transmissions. The story unfolds in dual timelines, exploring the initial wonder of first contact and the traumatized aftermath. The sole survivor, Father Emilio Sandoz, returns to Earth under highly suspicious and dark circumstances.
Who is the main character in "The Sparrow"?
The protagonist is Father Emilio Sandoz, a talented linguist and Jesuit priest. His intense faith and desire to find God in the universe lead him to spearhead the clandestine mission to Rakhat. The novel tracks his spiritual and physical devastation following the disastrous expedition.
Is "The Sparrow" part of a book series?
Yes, "The Sparrow" is the first book in a two-part series, followed immediately by the 1998 sequel titled "Children of God." The sequel continues the story of Father Emilio Sandoz and explores the long-term political consequences of the human intervention on Rakhat. Both books are highly acclaimed within the science fiction genre.
When was the science fiction novel "The Sparrow" published?
"The Sparrow" was published in 1996 by American author Mary Doria Russell. It was her debut novel, blending classic science fiction tropes with deep theological and philosophical questions. The book went on to win multiple prestigious awards, including the James Tiptree Jr. Award and the Arthur C. Clarke Award.
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