THE SPARROW by Mary Doria Russell 

(Villard Books/Fawcett Books)

Best for: older teens and adults

READ...

First let me point out up front that The Sparrow is NOT for everyone. It includes graphic violence and profanity, and is certainly not appropriate for children or even immature teenagers. That said, let me assure you that this book has a valuable message, and addresses topics related to God and Christianity that few Christians openly discuss.

The year is 2059, and a man, a Jesuit priest, has returned from his missionary travels to another planet. He is a broken man. His hands have been mutilated, and he is accused of murdering a child and of living as a prostitute. A group of priests is gathered in secrecy to determine what actually happened to Father Emilio Sandoz and those who left with him on a mission to Rakhat. Sandoz’s story is told through a series of flashbacks.

It began in 2019, when the Japanese, with their incredible technology, dominated the world. A group of friends, living in the slums of Puerto Rico, regularly met to enjoy a meal, laughter, and thoughtful discussion. Emilio Sandoz was their kind, patient, and good-humored leader. Others included Jimmy Quinn, whose work involved scanning the edges of outer space, Anne Edwards, a doctor who donated her time caring for the poor, and Anne’s retired husband George. Newest to the group was Sofia Mendes, who was left in poverty after a war, and who was made a bondservant by the man who fed her and paid for her education. When Jimmy heard beautiful singing being transmitted from another planet, this group of dear and colorful friends were among those chosen to travel to Rakhat. The Jesuits led the journey to know and love God’s other children, for the glory of God.

On Rakhat, the group of friends meet a group a kangaroo-like beings called Runa, and become a part of Runa society. Over time, however, the travelers realize the Runa are actually intelligent beings being bred for food and services by a more advanced group of beings, the Djanada. Through innocent actions on the part of the travelers, the Runa decide to stop being used as meat and slaves. A war begins.

To avoid giving away too much of the story, I’ll simply say that many die, and those who survive are abused. They came to serve God. They are instead killed and tortured. The Sparrow ends on a note of hope, yet there was a great cost to even reach the point of this glimmer.

The title of The Sparrow refers to Matthew 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.”  God knows what happens even to the insignificant sparrow, yet still allows the sparrow to fall. Why? What is gained by the suffering of the innocent? These are questions The Sparrow digs into with more vigilance than many “Christian” books.

Sandoz is a priest who clearly loves God and seeks to know God more deeply. He encourages others in his party to return to God. He is wise and caring, and through him many difficult questions are asked. Few are answered.

In The Sparrow we see glimpses of the Holocaust. The Jews are God’s chosen people. Why were they allowed to suffer so horrifically? Why didn’t God protect them? And even in the current day to day of those who love and follow God—why does God allow Christians to suffer? To lose their jobs? To get cancer? To be abused? Why do the innocent suffer? These are questions Sandoz must ask as he tries to pull his life back together. Is God in control and choosing to let evil rule? Or is God evil? Or does God simply not care?

THINK...

• What kind of sacrifices where the travelers making by participating in this mission? Would you be willing to make a sacrifice such as this? Why or why not?

• Several of the group going to Rakhat didn’t have a relationship with God. What purpose did these people serve in the story? Do you think their questions and problems with God were realistic? Why or why not?

• At one point Emilio gives Anne permission to blame God for the bad things that happen in life, and this opens the door for her to begin a relationship with God. What things hold you or your friends back from a relationship with God? How can you move past these blocks?

• Sofia’s one small act began a rebellion. What other small acts have made a big difference in our history? What small acts can we take today to make a difference?

• The Sparrow included Jews, Catholics, and people with no spiritual convictions. How could these people be such close and dear friends while each holding strongly to their personal beliefs? Do you have a broad group of friends who challenge your beliefs and help you consider the deeper questions of life? Why or why not?

LIVE!

In The Sparrow, most of the main characters are devoted to caring for those inneed. This is shown through their early acts of mercy while still on Earth, and by their greater sacrifices on Rakhat. Their actions make a difference. Consider one kind act you can do that will make a difference in the lives of others. You might:

• Visit people in the hospital—bring along flowers and a joke book.

• Coach a community athletic team. Get to know the players. Use your position to build up the players. You may be the only positive influence in their lives.

• Volunteer in your church. Nursery. Sunday school. Youth group. Your actions there may make an eternal difference.

• Forgive someone who has wronged you. They may still be in the wrong, but you can forgive them anyway.

• Support missionaries who travel to other countries—which at times may seem like a different world. Let them know you appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made.

• Donate time or money to ministries or programs that are making changes in the lives of people.

If you liked The Sparrow, you might also enjoy: 

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom (Bantam Books)

Children of God by Mary Doria Russell (Villard/Fawcett)

This book, also by Mary Doria Russell, continues the story of Emilio Sandoz. It turns out that someone else managed to survive on Rakhat, and this person learns details that help readers understand actions that seemed heinous in The Sparrow. There is evil, and there are mistakes that lead to evil. And, finally, there is a taste of redemption. This book is less graphic than The Sparrow, but won’t make sense to those who didn’t read the first book.