The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

You would find this novel shelved in the bookstore or library in the science fiction section, because it is framed as a first contact situation between human beings and the residents of another planet. But it has surprisingly little to do with the usual trappings of this genre. Rather, it is primarily an examination of religious belief and of how to understand the role of God in human affairs, particularly of how to understand why terrible things happen to good, well-intentioned people.

The novel begins when Jesuit priest Emelio Sandoz is returned to Earth by a subsequent group of explorers as the only survivor of an expedition to a distant planet. Physically maimed and emotionally and psychologically damaged, he is suspected of having committed unspeakable acts while on the planet. He is thus subject to interrogation by his Jesuit superiors, who want to find the truth of what happened to the expedition but who also, fortunately, have concern for his obviously wounded soul.

Author Russell rather cleverly constructs the novel with alternating chapters, some chapters being backflashes introducing the various characters as the space expedition is conceived and carried out, some chapters following the actions and interactions of Sandoz and his fellow Jesuits as they attempt to extract his story, and some chapters telling of the happenings on the alien planet. The crucial and dramatic revelations about the space expedition are, of course, kept for the very end. This creates a good bit of dramatic tension and suspense.

In considering the novel from a strictly literary viewpoint, I can list many faults: the science included seems pretty unsound, even to a non-scientist; some of the characters who are obviously meant to be sympathetic come across as obnoxious and too clever by half; the actions of the Jesuit priests seem inauthentic, since no mention is made that they even inquire about religious beliefs or discuss God with the "natives"; the emotional and spiritual healing of Sandoz happens too abruptly to seem realistic.

In considering the novel from the impact it made upon me, however, I can name one huge positive: it made me think about my religious beliefs. I confess to being increasingly cynical about people who claim to know all the answers about God and his intentions (particularly about current politics and social issues), and who claim to have direct, person-to-person communication. Perhaps because it coincides with what I wish to believe, I found it consoling to read that for some seeking the answers is more valuable than thinking you have the answers.

This is not really a very good review from a literary viewpoint. But I do recommend this book as a most worthwhile read.