{"product_id":"9780552997775","title":"The Sparrow","description":"\u003ch3\u003eAuthor: Russell, Mary Doria\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eScience fiction\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003ePublished on 1 November 1997 by Transworld Publishers Ltd (Black Swan) in the United Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePaperback \/ softback | 512 pages\u003cbr\u003e197 x 129 x 29 | 358g\u003cp\u003e'The Sparrow is one of my favourite science fiction novels and it destroyed me in the best way when I read it. It is so beautifully written and the construction of the narrative is masterful'Emma Newman, author of PlanetfallTHE ACCLAIMED GENRE-DEFINING WINNER OF THE 1998 ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD Set in the 21st century - a number of decades from now - The Sparrow is the story of a charismatic Jesuit priest and talented linguist, Emilio Sandoz, who - in response to a remarkable radio signal from the depths of space - leads a scientific mission to make first contact with an extra-terrestrial culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the true tradition of Jesuit adventurers before him, Sandoz and his companions are prepared to endure isolation, suffering - even death - but nothing can prepare them for the civilisation they encounter. Or for the tragic misunderstanding that brings the mission to a devastating end. Once considered a living saint, Sandoz returns alone to Earth horrifically maimed, both physically and spiritually, the mission's sole survivor - only to be blamed for the mission's failure and accused of heinous crimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWritten in clean, effortless prose and peopled with memorable characters who never lose their humanity or humour, The Sparrow is a powerful, haunting fiction - a tragic but ultimately triumphant novel about the nature of faith, of love and what it means to be 'human' and widely considered to be a classic of the genre.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Russell, Mary Doria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53837178273976,"sku":"9780552997775","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/1953\/8872\/files\/9780552997775.jpg?v=1785592768","url":"https:\/\/octoberbooks.org\/products\/9780552997775","provider":"October Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}