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.&;&;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.&;&;Entertainment Weekly   &;Powerful . . . The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence.&;&;San Francisco Chronicle   &;Provocative, challenging . . . recalls both Arthur C. Clarke and H. G. Wells, with a dash of Ray Bradbury for good measure.&;&;The Dallas Morning News   &;[Mary Doria] Russell shows herself to be a skillful storyteller who subtly and expertly builds suspense.&;&;USA Today