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The Sparrow (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

by

The Sparrow (Ballantine Reader's Circle) Cover

ISBN13: 9780449912553
ISBN10: 0449912558
Condition: Standard
All Product Details

Only 3 left in stock at $7.95!

 

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

The Sparrow, an astonishing literary debut, takes you on a journey to a distant planet and to the center of the human soul. It is the story of a charismatic Jesuit priest and linguist, Emilio Sandoz, who leads a twenty-first-century scientific mission to a newly discovered extraterrestrial culture. Sandoz and his companions are prepared to endure isolation, hardship and death, but nothing can prepare them for the civilization they encounter, or for the tragic misunderstanding that brings the mission to a catastrophic end. Once considered a living saint, Sandoz returns alone to Earth physically and spiritually maimed, the mission's sole survivor — only to be accused of heinous crimes and blamed for the mission's failure.

Review:

"Herself a former anthropologist, born and raised a Roman Catholic and recently converted to Judaism, Russell brings to this novel a keen grasp of the methods used by scientists investigating an unknown culture, as well as a deep appreciation for the varieties of religious experience. She has created a cast of interesting and likable characters in Sandoz and his crew mates and in the team of Jesuits trying to rehabilitate him: These are intelligent, caring people equally capable of light banter and deep philosophical discussions....Even readers who do not usually appreciate science fiction may well find themselves enthralled." Merle Rubin, The Christian Science Monitor

Review:

"The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence." San Francisco Chronicle

Review:

"Russell's novel is driven by her characters, by their complex relationships and inner conflicts, not by aliens or technology." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Review:

"It is rare to find a book about interplanetary exploration that has this much insight into human nature and foresight into a possible future." San Antonio Express News

Review:

"Two narratives — the mission to the planet and its aftermath four decades later — interweave to create a suspenseful tale." The Seattle Times
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About the Author

Trained as a paleoanthropologist, and the author of scientific articles on subjects ranging from bone biology to cannibalism, Mary Doria Russell received her B.A. in cultural anthropology from the University of Illinois, her M.A. in social anthropology from Northeastern University and her doctorate in biological anthropology from the University of Michigan. After quitting academia and writing computer manuals, she began work on The Sparrow. She lives with her husband and son in Cleveland, Ohio.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 25 comments:
bstein33, January 30, 2013 (view all comments by bstein33)
Fascinating. A real genre-bender. Great writing and thought-provoking subject matter in the guise of science fiction. The best and most original book I've read in years.
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Eunice, January 19, 2012 (view all comments by Eunice)
Very well written...the author has command of the language, as she should. Intriguing, haunting story with characters that you begin to care about. Are they doomed, will it all work out? I won't reveal the ending of an amazing plot-line. But, I will say that this book has stayed with me since I finished it. I think it will stay with me forever.
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Margaret Hines, January 19, 2012 (view all comments by Margaret Hines)
The beautiful descriptive prose of Mary Doria Russell takes the reader back and forth effortlessly between the past and present in this future tale of the discovery of a planet like Earth. This time travel allows the reader to understand the spiritual torment of Emilio Sandoz, a Jesuit priest, who made the journey to the planet and the future and returned to his past on Earth. I could scarcely put this book down. I felt as though I were there and could see the settings and feel the emotions of the characters. This, and its sequel, are books I shall read again.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780449912553
Author:
Russell, Mary Doria
Publisher:
Ballantine Books
Author:
Various
Location:
New York :
Subject:
General
Subject:
Religious
Subject:
Literary
Subject:
Fiction
Subject:
Science Fiction - General
Subject:
Life on other planets
Subject:
Science Fiction - Adventure
Subject:
Twenty-first century
Subject:
Jesuits
Subject:
Religious - Science Fiction
Subject:
Twenty-first century -- Fiction.
Subject:
Christian Science -- Fiction.
Subject:
Science fiction
Subject:
Jesuits - Fiction
Subject:
Christian - General
Subject:
Science Fiction and Fantasy-Adventure
Copyright:
1997
Edition Description:
Trade paper
Series:
Ballantine Reader's Circle
Publication Date:
19970931
Binding:
TRADE PAPER
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
448
Dimensions:
8.24x5.62x.98 in. .82 lbs.
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Related Subjects


Fiction and Poetry » Literature » A to Z
Fiction and Poetry » Science Fiction and Fantasy » A to Z
Fiction and Poetry » Science Fiction and Fantasy » Adventure
Religion » Christianity » Christian Fiction

The Sparrow (Ballantine Reader's Circle) Used Trade Paper
0 stars - 0 reviews
$7.95 In Stock
Product details 448 pages Ballantine Books - English 9780449912553 Reviews:
"Review" by , "Herself a former anthropologist, born and raised a Roman Catholic and recently converted to Judaism, Russell brings to this novel a keen grasp of the methods used by scientists investigating an unknown culture, as well as a deep appreciation for the varieties of religious experience. She has created a cast of interesting and likable characters in Sandoz and his crew mates and in the team of Jesuits trying to rehabilitate him: These are intelligent, caring people equally capable of light banter and deep philosophical discussions....Even readers who do not usually appreciate science fiction may well find themselves enthralled."
"Review" by , "The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence."
"Review" by , "Russell's novel is driven by her characters, by their complex relationships and inner conflicts, not by aliens or technology."
"Review" by , "It is rare to find a book about interplanetary exploration that has this much insight into human nature and foresight into a possible future."
"Review" by , "Two narratives — the mission to the planet and its aftermath four decades later — interweave to create a suspenseful tale."
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