Almost ready!
In order to save audiobooks to your Wish List you must be signed in to your account.
Log in Create accountShop small, give big!
With credit bundles, you choose the number of credits and your recipient picks their audiobooks—all in support of local bookstores.
Start giftingLimited-time offer
Get two free audiobooks!
Nowโs a great time to shop indie. When you start a new one credit per month membership supporting local bookstores with promo code SWITCH, weโll give you two bonus audiobook credits at sign-up.
Sign up todayThe Sparrow
This audiobook uses AI narration.
Weโre taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.
Learn moreBookseller recommendation
“Jesuits in space! A philosophical, psychological, moral, theological, anthropological science fiction novel that explores the intersections of science and faith, this book asks all the big questions and resolutely faces all the sweetest and most bitter moments that arise from great discovery and horrifying sacrifice. This novel is a true work of art and won all the big science fiction awards upon its publication. Itโs an utterly brilliant, wondrous, and harrowing tale that will leave you both satisfied and shaken. ”
— Megan • Underground Books
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
โA startling, engrossing, and moral work of fiction.โโThe New York Times Book Review
โImportant novels leave deep cracks in our beliefs, our prejudices, and our blinders. The Sparrow is one of them.โโEntertainment Weekly
โPowerful . . . The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence.โโSan Francisco Chronicle
โProvocative, challenging . . . recalls both Arthur C. Clarke and H. G. Wells, with a dash of Ray Bradbury for good measure.โโThe Dallas Morning News
โ[Mary Doria] Russell shows herself to be a skillful storyteller who subtly and expertly builds suspense.โโUSA Today
Mary Doria Russell is a paleoanthropologist with specialties in bone biology and biomechanics who has done extensive field work in Australia and Croatia. After quitting academia and writing computer manuals, she began work on The Sparrow, her first novel. She lives with her husband and son in Cleveland, Ohio.