Questions About The Sparrow (The Sparrow, #1)

by Mary Doria Russell (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (17)

Is there a large emphasis on religion either Catholic or Jewish in this book? For a book club choice would it be too decisive, controversial, or upsetting?

Cheryl Our book group read it some years ago, and had a great discussion. 2 members are Jewish, 2 Catholic, 1 Presbyterian, 1 raised Catholic, converted to J…moreOur book group read it some years ago, and had a great discussion. 2 members are Jewish, 2 Catholic, 1 Presbyterian, 1 raised Catholic, converted to Judaism, 1 atheist. The book is definitely unsettling, but not because of religion. I realize your question was asked two years ago, but I'd love to know if you decided to go for it!(less)

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Debbie

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Is this book a heavy read, the kind which has rich and dense language, a lot of symbolism, and requires you to put a lot of thought into what you're reading? Or is the language straightforward and an easy entertaining read?

Chip I wouldn't call the language dense, it's an easy and entertaining story, but the implications and profoundness is implicit throughout. I find myself l…moreI wouldn't call the language dense, it's an easy and entertaining story, but the implications and profoundness is implicit throughout. I find myself liking all of the characters quite a lot.(less)

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Im a Catholic and I pretty much feel strongly for my faith. Should I be wary about the depiction of the Catholic faith in this book? (Like in so many other literature) :)

Tamela I think the Catholic faith, God and our understanding of him is handled beautifully in this book. I've recommended this book to ALOT of people, and of…moreI think the Catholic faith, God and our understanding of him is handled beautifully in this book. I've recommended this book to ALOT of people, and of those who read it, about half of them were Catholic and LOVED it.(less)

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Without spoiling the ending could someone please give me general impression of how violent or explicit this book is overall? I may be reading this in the company of some sensitive readers (and I myself am rather sensitive to excessive violence, sexuality, or language).

Elaine Cook There are parts of the book that involve violence and abuse. These may make you uncomfortable though I personally didn't find them too graphic and cer…moreThere are parts of the book that involve violence and abuse. These may make you uncomfortable though I personally didn't find them too graphic and certainly not gratuitous.
I was recently made aware of a website: Does the Dog Die, that offers "spoiler alerts for movies and books on a very inclusive number of categories. I just checked and this book was flagged as having some mutilation and sexual assault. I was horrified but it was not center stage, more as a replay and as I recall, not graphically depicted.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (3)

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How did Anne and dw die?

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