The Sparrow in Bloomington, MN

A visionary work that combines speculative fiction with deep philosophical inquiry,
The Sparrow
tells the story of a charismatic Jesuit priest and linguist, Emilio Sandoz, who leads a scientific mission entrusted with a profound task: to make first contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life. The mission begins in faith, hope, and beauty, but a series of small misunderstandings brings it to a catastrophic end.
Praise for
“A startling, engrossing, and moral work of fiction.”
—
The New York Times Book Review
“Important novels leave deep cracks in our beliefs, our prejudices, and our blinders.
is one of them.”
Entertainment Weekly
“Powerful . . .
tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence.”
San Francisco Chronicle
“Provocative, challenging . . . recalls both Arthur C. Clarke and H. G. Wells, with a dash of Ray Bradbury for good measure.”
The Dallas Morning News
“[Mary Doria] Russell shows herself to be a skillful storyteller who subtly and expertly builds suspense.”
USA Today