The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

This is by far the best sci-fi novel I have ever read. It has compelling characters, that stay with you long after the story is done. I strongly recommend this for anyone who is interested in good story telling, good research and a well written book.

Anyone who is an avid reader understand how it is to wonder what the characters have been up to while you are away from the book. Such a book is this. Jesuits going into space? Naturally. Political intrigue? Of course. Nothing this writer suggests will seem improbable once you sink into one of the best stories written in this genre in years.

This story revolves around some of the most lovable literary folk I have ever come across. You will laugh, cry and mourn. You will sing and ache and ultimately, I predict, come back and read this one again.

Children of God (Ballantine Reader's Circle) by Mary Doria Russell

Children of God (Ballantine Reader's Circle) by Mary Doria Russell

Sequel to The Sparrow... fantastic read.. somewhat sad..Russell is among the best storytellers I have found.

The Sparrow introduced us to a rich cast of characters who shared a journey that might seem unlikely, but at the hands of this writer became completely plausible. This book takes us into the year following that story, and updates us on the lives of those we came to love in the first novel. While her storytelling is equally as rich in both books, the events of the first book preclude some of the emotional attachments we formed there. A must read for anyone who read The Sparrow, but I am not sure that it can stand alone.