I had a hard time sorting out what this book meant. At first I thought it was sci-fi, but it became pretty spiritual pretty quickly. Jesuit priests learn about the existence of another planet and head off to explore without really getting buy in from the rest of the planet. This is sort of they way they have operated throughout history so I guess that is why they got that job in this book.
Emilio Sandoz is the main character in the book and his journey to the planet Rakhat runs parallel with his journey to God. He is a good priest and linguist - he does everything right, but he doesn't feel a love for God like he feels he should. A group of people are assembled to accompany him. They all have talents to assist with the journey and they all either love each other, or come to love each other during the course of the journey. The concept of family is very strong in this novel, although not the traditional kind. The assembled, chosen family is what is represented.
The main idea I will take away from this book is that God watches what happens, but doesn't intervene, even if he loves the people who are involved. This point is illustrated by the Father General when he quotes Matthew ten, verse twenty-nine "Not one sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it." It is noted however that the sparrow still falls.
Many beloved characters are killed, but the more endearing they were, the more I knew they would have to die. It made it easier to relate to them and their likability. They were an obvious set up, but I loved them anyway.
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