Astronomer Jimmy Quinn is having a long night at work after time with his friends when he hears an alien radio signal. Almost immediately, plans are laid to explore this alien signal, and a group of friends, including a few Jesuit priests, heads into space to make contact with and study the alien population. While on the planet, however, things go wrong, and only one damaged man returns.
The story begins with him, Emilio Sandoz, and his return, switching between time periods to explore the back story of the mission. So don’t worry, I haven’t spoiled anything. And let me also start off by saying I simply loved this book. I read it when I started working and I actually enjoyed that because this was the first book that I really enjoyed that I had to spend more than a day with. Spreading it out over four days meant I could grow to love these characters and I was completely wrapped up in the story every single time I picked up the book.
This is science fiction which works for people who don’t like science fiction, with tons of character development and a truly enthralling plot. We know the basics of what’s happened from the start, but finding out why it’s happened, especially to people we care about so much, is amazingly compelling. There isn’t really any technical jargon at all; there is only basic detail to understand what’s happening. The focus is all on the breathtaking story. Even though so many clues are laid, it’s hard to guess what’s happened. I feel like I could almost certainly pick up more on a reread than I did this time, and this is a book that is worth rereading.
I also thought that Russell’s worldbuilding was interesting and well-done, but not extensive enough to bore any readers. Rather, it’s wrapped up in the sense of discovery and each revelation ramps up the tension, so it’s impossible not to keep turning the pages whenever you have the opportunity. The book really made me think about culture clash and what would happen if we ever really came into contact with aliens – and what we’d do if aliens came into contact with us.
Overall, my review doesn’t feel particularly coherent, but I doubt talking about such an amazing book will ever be coherent! The Sparrow comes hugely recommended by me.
I am an Amazon Associate. I purchased this book.
This sounds really good. I’m definately the kind of sci-fi reader who prefers character development to jargon (or you could call it actual science).
.-= Jodie´s last blog ..Whoosh – There goes the Bank Holiday =-.
Well the title had me fooled!
Sounds like a good read, I am not much into sci-fi though, but i will definitely give this a try!
.-= Veens´s last blog ..Hannah’s List By Debbie Macomber =-.
I’ve read this book 4 times and am still incapable of summing it up coherently, so I think you’re totally correct. It’s amazing, it’s sci-fi that works for people who don’t normally read sci-fi (in fact, I have some issues with classifying it as sci-fi in the first place, but whatever), and EVERYONE should read it. So glad you joined the group read.
.-= Rebecca @ The Book Lady’s Blog´s last blog ..March Reading Wrap-Up/First Quarter Check-In =-.
Have had it on my TBR stack for years, and I haven’t read it. I’m so ashamed!
.-= Andi´s last blog ..Stalking Books =-.
I agree, this is an impossible book to summarize and it’s so hard to explain what is so amazing about it. I’m so thrilled that you loved it because I am a total evangelist for it.
So you’re one less person I have to convert! lol.
.-= Heather @ Book Addiction´s last blog ..Wings by Aprilynne Pike =-.
It comes highly recommended by me as well. I am someone who enjoys Science Fiction, too. It’s a marvelous book any way you look at it.
.-= cbjames´s last blog ..If a book is unconscious, does it have a plot? =-.
I’m so glad you joined us for the read-a-long and that you loved the book as well! It really is one that could be discussed endlessly. I picked up on so much more when I read it for the 2nd time.
.-= Heather J.´s last blog ..What I’m Reading Now and What’s Next =-.
Science fiction for people who don’t like science fiction sounds right up my street. thanks so much for sharing this interesting review – I have been enjoying discovering your blog
Thanks indeed
Hannah
Will have to read,thanks!
I definitely agree it’s sci-fi for non sci-fi fans!
.-= Eva´s last blog ..The Brothers Karamazov: Part One =-.
I own this book but I always put reading it off till another time. I am now certainly encouraged to bring it up a few notches on my TBR list
.-= lilly´s last blog ..Waiting On Wednesday : The Astronomer by Lawrence Goldstone =-.
I’m not big on science fiction, but you have certainly piqued my interest in this since you said it works for non sci-fi people.
Thanks for participating in our Read-along – I’m so glad you loved this book! I agree that it’s hard to sum up easily – which makes it more of a challenge to sell it to people – but it totally transcends genre. Reading it is such a worthwhile experience.
.-= Florinda´s last blog ..Brand management, the Catholic Church, and me =-.
I think if we came into contact with extraterrestrials, we’d tweet about it. “Alienz, you guys! D:”
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I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this book, and I got really good vibes from it when I tried to read it, but I just couldn’t finish. I’m not an easily disturbed person, but I could not deal with what happened to Emilio’s hands. Even now, I want to throw up just thinking about it. It makes me sad, since I’m sure I’m missing out on an incredible read, but apparently hand mutilation is my line I cannot cross.
This sounds like a great book. I’d never have thought it was sci-fi from the title. I’ll have to add it to my list.
This has been on my TBR list for a while, but I’d forgotten about it! Glad to hear someone really enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
I adore this book and need to make time for a re-read. I didn’t care for the sequel as much, but it was okay. I went to a book signing with the author and she said she preferred The Sparrow and her husband preferred the sequel
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Monday Movie Meme – Politics =-.