The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

The Sparrow

The Sparrow #1

Mary Doria Russell

448 pages • first pub 1996 (editions)

fiction science fiction dark emotional reflective medium-paced

Description

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 firs...

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Community Reviews Summary of 5,548 reviews

Moods

dark 71%
emotional 65%
reflective 60%
challenging 59%
sad 54%
adventurous 51%
tense 30%
mysterious 28%
inspiring 13%
hopeful 12%
funny 10%
informative 4%

Pace

medium 53%
slow 42%
fast 4%

Plot- or character-driven?

A mix: 63% | Character: 29% | Plot: 6%

Strong character development?

Yes: 84% | It's complicated: 12% | No: 2%

Loveable characters?

Yes: 74% | It's complicated: 19% | No: 6%

Diverse cast of characters?

Yes: 81% | No: 9% | It's complicated: 8% | N/A: 1%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 60% | It's complicated: 24% | No: 13% | N/A: 1%

Average rating

4.15

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Content Warnings

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