“Strangely, I read the second book first. I would read them sideways and upside down again and again. There are still images in my mind months later and it is dark and hard but so beautiful. Now I am going to go read it again.”
“First contact with an alien civilization; anthropology; theology; philosophy; sci-fi; multiculturalism; inter-religious dialogue; Man, this book hit all of my sweet spots and was written beautifully, honestly and in a truly unique way (won't tell ya). The second book is a must though. If you end with this one is just toooo darn hard and dark.”
“I think this book most intriguing...my only bump was in the character of Emilio, the priest. He didn't think like a priest---no effort to evangelize on the planet, which a Jesuit would have done. Later I learned that the author wasn't Catholic, which explains the problem Still, it's a very good book, blending sci-fi and philosophy, soul-searching examination that haunts the reader.”
“This sparrow flew to near the flames of the Abyss of books. Oh dear. SFC.”
“This ranks amongst the best books I have ever read. Even as an evangelical atheist I was greatly moved the suffering encountered through the faith / ideological standpoints of the characters in the book. It is extremely well written and raises the bar for most other science fiction books to reach. I agree that the second books is slightly weaker but it does close the first book well.”
“After reading this beautiful, haunting book, I felt changed. As a Catholic, I was especially touched by the sincerity of the religious leaders. As an interpreter, I cringed as I read how one small miscue can turn into a disaster. It makes me wonder if such disparate cultures (pick any two cultures on this planet!) can possibly learn to see eye to eye. This book just blew me away.”
“I read this book several years ago and just hearing the title brings the whole book back so vividly. It is one of those books that changes the way one thinks about life, faith, culture, and good and evil. This is a brilliant book. I can't bring myself to read the sequel because a review revealed something about the priest that I don't want to believe! ”
“This book was very though provoking ... almost haunting. It is less science fiction than philosophy.”
“This is one of those books that sticks in your mind for a long time after you read it. It changes the way you think about language, about music/art and about different cultures. Also, it is just so crazy and creative. Love it.”
“An amazing book by an extraordinary talent, Ms. Russell's version of science fiction is quite literary, yet eminently readable.”
