Customer Reviews
WOW - nothing has come close since readind this and the sequel - By: D. Bruce, 16 Dec 2008 
You can read the synopsis above about this book which is a goo description, what it cant tell you is the journey you go on & the need for more when you finish.. thank goodness for children of god, as there were so many unanswered questions.. & not all answered. These are the books that I compare all my reads to... & none have come close to the complexity & sheer enjoyment of reading these 2 novels. I dont want to read her other novelsin case they dont compare, I like to leave on a high :)
Unique in its approach to "other worlds" - By: Zendon Dendon, 10 Oct 2008 
As an avid sci-fi fan, I was interestedin this book because of its unique approach to the subject. Remarkable story telling, believable plots, characters & situations; it didn't disappoint one bit. Highly recommended.
A HIGHLY INTELLIGENT TREATISE ON PERSONAL THEOLOGY - A TRUE CLASSIC - By: NeuroSplicer, 01 May 2008 Theology can become a distant logical exercise of dry doctrine & easy theoretical conclusions. When it comes down to the wet choices of real life most such theoretical Theology is found wanting as it can offer only limited answers. This is Theology of the other kind, the real one.
Mary Doria Russell has created a highly intelligent story: what would the story of a future saint be? Say, a Jesuit spearheading an exploratory mission to an alien civilization as a linguist of unique abilities; a former outcast that found his true calling as a man of the Cloth & God's facein all the hungry he fed & all the orphans he sheltered & all the lost he bough back from desperation. And then God asked for more. Much more. Is God real or a mere human construct? Can Faith survive anything?
This is one of those books that stays with you for ever. Read THE SPARROW first, CHILDREN OF THE GOD laterin order to enjoy them both more.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
rich and moving character development - By: Lawrence Toms, 25 Jan 2008 Emilio's crisis of faith is perhaps the most moving I have ever read. I never found organised religion particularly persuasive, but The Sparrow at least left me with a positive regard for the simple elements of a true & human-dimensioned faith - & the terrible price one pays for such a thing.
It takes some reading, but is definitely worth it! - By: A. Hewitt, 05 Nov 2007 If you're looking for Guns 'n' Aliens style SF, then you may as well not read these reviews & just avoid this book. However, if you are looking for something deeper then you'rein the right place. 'The Sparrow' is a marvellous book, that captivates & plays with your emotions. A wonderful examination of religious faith through a very interesting lens.
