Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - The Fall of a Sparrow

The Fall of a Sparrow
The Fall of a Sparrow
Author: Robert Hellenga
"The Fall of a Sparrow", Robert Hellenga's first novel since his masterful debut "The Sixteen Pleasures", proves not only that Hellenga is a dazzling storyteller, but that he also has a profound understanding of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. — The new novel, like "The Sixteen P...  more »", links the American Midwest and Italy, but where "The Sixteen Pleasures" explored the sexual and emotional awakening of a young woman, "The Fall of a Sparrow" examines the reawakening of life after a young woman has tragically died. At the heart of the novel is Alan Woodhull ("Woody"), a classics professor at a small Midwestern college, whose beloved oldest daughter, Cookie, is killed during a terrorist bombing in Italy.

Seven years after the bombing, Woody finds himself standing in the cemetery where Cookie is buried, convinced that life has taught him all the lessons he has to learn. His wife has left him, and his two remaining daughters have grown up and moved away. Yet a new life, which Woody both longs for and resists, begins with his decision to attend the trial of the terrorists responsible for his daughter's death. And as Woody gradually emerges from his sorrow, returning to Italy and the scene of the tragedy, he also awakens to new love.

Book has a reading group guide at the end.
Info icon
The Market's bargain prices are even better for Paperbackswap club members!
Retail Price: $17.00
Buy New (Paperback): $13.29 (save 21%) or
Become a PBS member and pay $9.39+1 PBS book credit Help icon(save 44%)
ISBN-13: 9780684850276
ISBN-10: 0684850273
Publication Date: 7/6/1999
Pages: 464
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 29

3.5 stars, based on 29 ratings
Publisher: Scribner
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

MOMSBOOKS avatar reviewed The Fall of a Sparrow on + 64 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
My take on this book is so different from others I've read that I am including it. First of all, this is a lot of book...many ideas, several pathways, rich characterizations all crammed into it.It is worth the effort to read it but I found several things that were annoying.
1.Frequent quotes in other languages, some of which clarified a premise but many that seemed to be ostentation.
2.Sexual fantasy disguised as reality.
3.A protagonist I could not identify with and characters different enough from the norm that it was a stretch to imagine them as real people.
4.An ending that called itself a new beginning but was disappointing for all but the main character.
I gave it 3 1/2 stars...I'm glad I read it, but will not pursue other books by the same author. Other reviewers in this book club were much more generous with their applause than I.
Read All 12 Book Reviews of "The Fall of a Sparrow"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed The Fall of a Sparrow on + 8 more book reviews
A compelling book about what happens to a family after one member is killed in a terrorist bombing in Bologna.
reviewed The Fall of a Sparrow on + 41 more book reviews
A superbly written book about how a family deals with the tragic loss of a daughter in a terrorist bombing in Bologna. Robert Hellenga's portrait of the main charracter, a college professor, is moving and powerful as his wife leaves, his other daughters leave home and he travels to Italy for the trial. A wonderful blend of heart-touching situations, amusing events, and the sensuality of living, all told in a very 'real' way. I loved this book!
reviewed The Fall of a Sparrow on + 28 more book reviews
While not a major work of art, this is an excellent book! After a tragic death in a family, it explores the family's individual responses to death & grief over a time of about 5 years. This would be a great book to talk about with friends.
reviewed The Fall of a Sparrow on + 19 more book reviews
inspired by the bombing of the train station in Bologna, Italy in 1980
reviewed The Fall of a Sparrow on + 55 more book reviews
Engrossing.


Genres: