Book Review #2- A Sparrow Alone

 

Today we have A Sparrow Alone by Alicia Petersen. 

Genre: Historical fiction

Series: Stand alone novel

Time Period: approximately 30 to 33 AD

Setting: Israel

Summary: "Two Jewish orphans living in a small village attempt to earn their livelihood in Roman-occupied Jerusalem. Mala sews for the wives of wealthy Roman aristocrats and watches in dismay as her brother, Abdon, becomes deeply entrenched in a life of crime. Then, suddenly, the whole village is rocked by the transformation of one of its residents- and the name that seems to be on everyone's lips." 

(The summary is from the back of the book)

Characters: 

Mala- 17 years old

Abdon- 19 years old

Tahath- 19 years old  

Writing Style: 

written in third person, solely from Mala's perspective. At times the writing feels a bit strained, with prolonged pauses between words shown with ". . ." or lots of dashes, but overall, the writing is well done and intriguing. A Sparrow Alone had a quiet, simple feel to it, while still being deep and sometimes intense. The plot twists were well written and never expected.  

Character Development: 

I found the characters to be rich and developed, even though I did not relate to them. Mala's struggles were well written and brought you close to her heart with simple words. Her character arc from the beginning to the end shows lots of heart development in her perspective towards her brother, Jesus of Nazareth, and life in general. Abdon's character arc was the most moving and heartbreaking, but I can't say more than that without spoiling the story. Tahath's kindness and care for Mala is quite sweet. He wasn't as deep as the other two main characters, mostly because you don't learn much about his background and history, only about him at the time of the story. But overall, he was still a well developed character. 

Plot Development: 

A Sparrow Alone was definitely a moving story. I never expected how it would end. The whole story started off with a bang. You learn about Mala's background slowly while unraveling the mysteries of the plot. 

At first glance the book appears straightforward and serene, but inside is a masterfully woven plot which follows the life of someone mentioned only once in the Bible. The way Alicia Petersen took him and wove his story was shocking and surprising, which made it all the more impactful. It made his story tangible and living.      

Theme of the Book: 

Jesus Christ is the one who heals all wounds

Spiritual Content: 

Christianity is just coming to light at the time of this story. Jesus heals a woman as Mala watches.

Positive Content: 

Mala took in a fugitive slave out of kindness. Tahath consistently puts Mala's well being over his own. Mala treats her brother with love despite his character.  

Negative Content: 

Abdon is hinted to be in an impure relationship, but it is not directly stated. There is some violence, not firsthand, but mentioned and remembered. Roman crucifixion occurs.   

Age Rating: 

13+ 

Pre Teens:

Young Teens:

Older Teens:

Personal Rating:

Remove a half star for anyone who is especially sensitive.