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A review by planetwhileaway
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A rag-tag group of extremely lovable characters creates a found family and explores an alien planet and makes first contact. More heavy on philosophical and anthropological themes than science fiction, but still very enjoyable. A devastating ending that will have you thinking about it for weeks after you finish.
This is definitely a book that can be interpreted in many different ways. For example, as an atheist, I read it as a criticism of evangelism and proselytism. However, I can see someone who is religious reading it differently. The book heavily involves religion, but it does not feel like the author is trying to convert or convince the reader. In fact, I was unsure of the author's personal religious views until I read the afterword.
Speaking of the afterword, reading it spoiled my initial love of the book quite a bit, as the author seems to have some problematic personal opinions regarding colonialism. I was planning on reading the sequel, but I don't have a desire to anymore because of this.
This is definitely a book that can be interpreted in many different ways. For example, as an atheist, I read it as a criticism of evangelism and proselytism. However, I can see someone who is religious reading it differently. The book heavily involves religion, but it does not feel like the author is trying to convert or convince the reader. In fact, I was unsure of the author's personal religious views until I read the afterword.
Speaking of the afterword, reading it spoiled my initial love of the book quite a bit, as the author seems to have some problematic personal opinions regarding colonialism. I was planning on reading the sequel, but I don't have a desire to anymore because of this.