Children of God

A Novel

By: Mary Doria Russell

Narrated by: Anna Fields

Length: 17 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

In Children of God, Mary Doria Russell further establishes herself as one of the most innovative, entertaining, and philosophically provocative novelists writing today.

The only member of the original mission to the planet Rakhat to return to Earth, Father Emilio Sandoz has barely begun to recover from his ordeal when the Society of Jesus calls upon him for help in preparing for another mission to Alpha Centauri. Despite his objections and fear, he cannot escape his past or the future.

Old friends, new discoveries and difficult questions await Emilio as he struggles for inner peace and understanding in a moral universe whose boundaries now extend beyond the solar system and whose future lies with children born in a faraway place.

Strikingly original, richly plotted, replete with memorable characters and filled with humanity and humor, Chil-dren of God is an unforgettable and uplifting novel that is a potent successor to The Sparrow and a startlingly imaginative adventure for newcomers to Mary Doria Russell's special literary magic.

©1999 Mary Doria Russell (P)2008 Random House Audio

Beautifully written study of human condition

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this book to all friends who are interested in exploring human nature, our desire to be a part of something greater than ourselves. It is beautiful, brutal and eloquent on subjects most find difficult to put to words.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course Emilio Sandoz is my favorite character as he is central to the story. But I also have a strong connection with Ha'anala, who boldly strikes out to form her own society of Jana'ata who refuse to eat the Runa, seeing that there is a way the two societies can live in peace and equality.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As with the previous book, The Sparrow, I cried multiple times while listening to this book. There were also moments of joy & laughter as well as moments of clarity.

Any additional comments?

I'm so glad I listened to this immediately following The Sparrow. While this book contained additional heartbreak for Emilio Sandoz, it also contained such joy & beauty. Both books are beautifully written explorations of the human soul, religion, goodwill, and the consequences of actions taken by those who mean well. I believe I will return to these books again and again in the future, and feel like I will take away different things with each reading.

Great conclusion

Great conclusion very satisfying, enjoyed the 2nd book better than the 1st. The new characters and the evolution of the cultures brought the story to a satisfying conclusion

It’s Not Science Fiction, Captain

I’m still not sure if the novel prior to this, The Sparrow, should have been sci-fi or not; spoiler alert ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* I mean yes, you’ve got aliens, and two intertwined mysteries- what did he do that he wakes up screaming? Or was that the case? Plus there’s the what happened to the other people that were with you mystery, and I literally saw what the “nice natural aliens” were too quickly but still, a cool twist. But I am now Changing my previous review of Sparrow to not science-fiction just because
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This is really the most science fiction you get in the whole series and it’s not enough to qualify as a book that OF COURSE IS IN SPACE AND HAS ALIENS to a OK NOVEL THAT COULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE AMONG ANY TRIBE THAT HAD HELP FROM A TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED BUNCH OF, SAY, SPECIAL FORCES GUYS. In the Amazon/Africa/Australia just pick your favorite. And that’s not enough.

Sublime

As marvelous as The Sparrow was, Children of God was utterly magnificent. Such effortless, penetrative, moving writing. It is a very well reasoned and insightful exploration of morality, loss, grief, and quest for purpose.

Great sequel

I think I enjoyed this book more than the first. Great story. I read enjoyed the reading too.

Great sequel for The Sparrow

Great continuation for the Sparrow. This book delves deeper into the culture of Rakath and see history unfold there while still providing the thought provoking conversation of the characters

Rare excellence

Beautiful writing and knowledge of religion lifts this space age story into philosophical loftiness. Loved it.

Better than the first

This book was miles better than it’s predecessor. I don’t think reading the sparrow is even necessary if I’m honest. Children of God can stand alone just fine.

Sequel equal to the first…

These are not always easy stories, however thoroughly important and engaging throughout. This is a necessary and satisfying, equally beautiful sequel. As with all really good books I found myself musing over these characters with their outlandish plights. I’ll miss them.

Beautiful

I came away from this two volume series with a more compassionate heart. Philosophically sound and brutally beautiful.