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 first contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life. The mission begins in faith, hope, and beauty, but a series of small misunderstandings brings it to a catastrophic end.  Praise for The Sparrow  “A startling, engrossing, and moral work of fiction.â€â€”The New York Times Book Review  “Important novels leave deep cracks in our beliefs, our prejudices, and our blinders. The Sparrow is one of them.â€â€”Entertainment Weekly  “Powerful . . . The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence.â€â€”San Francisco Chronicle  “Provocative, challenging . . . recalls both Arthur C. Clarke and H. G. Wells, with a dash of Ray Bradbury for good measure.â€â€”The Dallas Morning News  “[Mary Doria] Russell shows herself to be a skillful storyteller who subtly and expertly builds suspense.â€â€”USA Today