Review - Children of God

I didn't like Children of God as much as The Sparrow. To some extent, it felt like needless extension of a story that was fine as it was, and I definitely didn't enjoy the characters as much in this part. I didn't feel attached to any of them except Emilio, Gina, Celestina and John, for most of the book. It was interesting to read Mary Doria Russell's take on how things would go after that, but I thought this book was more political than philosophical, and I didn't particularly buy the story of Isaac and the holy music. I especially didn't buy Emilio's eventual healing through that.

I was also quite angry about the way Russell treated her characters. I didn't feel their motives were properly justified and actually conflicted with their characters, in some cases. Emilio and John were the only ones who really remained consistent, which I was glad about, because what Vincenzo Giuliani did upset me quite a bit. Sofia's actions were more understandable and in line with her character, but I still didn't enjoy what she did.

I also wasn't so keen on the writing/plotting in this book. It failed to engage me as well and there were massive jumps, odd sections of exposition, etc. Despite the two timelines being told alongside each other in The Sparrow, that was much better done.

I almost wish I hadn't read this book, although I did enjoy some aspects of it. If you thought The Sparrow was perfect as it was, I wouldn't suggest reading this book.