NOVEL THOUGHTS
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VILLARD, 1996
(available in paperback from Ballantine, 1997)
THE SPARROW is the story of Jesuit priests and scientists sent to explore the planet Rakhat, home of an alien culture whose music has been detected by astronomers on Earth. When the expedition’s sole survivor, Emilio Sandoz, a native of Puerto Rico and a Jesuit priest and linguist, returns to Earth, he faces questioning from his church superiors about criminal acts he allegedly committed on Rakhat. Physically and emotionally scarred by the loss of his friends and his harrowing experiences, Sandoz painfully recounts details of life on Rakhat and the expedition’s demise. The Sparrow, Russell’s literary debut, is a journey through time and space, and an exploration of ethical issues in science, anthropology, and religion.
The explorers’ passion for fine cuisine is evident in the foods they bring aboard their craft, the Stella Maris. Tubes of lobster bisque, spaghetti with red sauce, and reconstituted Chianti concentrate are among their provisions. On Rakhat, they immediately set out to test consumption of native plants and animals to see if they can shift their dependence on Earth food to Rakhat’s native offerings. On Rakhat, the explorers also plant seeds they have brought with them, and soon Earth vegetables are plentiful. But this act will ultimately prove disastrous for the planet’s inhabitants and the explorers.
Before the expedition’s departure from Earth, Ann Edwards, the mission physician, prepares meals for her colleagues as they all become acquainted. She enjoys surprising them with foods from their native countries, including a Puerto Rican dessert, tembleque, for Emilio Sandoz.
Tembleque is a coconut pudding traditionally served at Christmas; the word literally means “trembling.” This tropical pudding should quiver when it is served.
NOTE: If possible, use a heavy-bottomed pan. Also, if you don’t have a heavy saucepan, try sifting the cornstarch first.
To toast coconut, spread the coconut in an ungreased pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until golden brown.
7 tablespoons cornstarch ¼ teaspoon salt 3 cans (13.5 ounces) unsweetened coconut milk ¾ cup sugar 3 tablespoons canned cream of coconut |
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Ground cinnamon for topping ¾ cup shredded dried coconut, toasted (optional) (see note) |
In a measuring cup, mix the cornstarch and salt with ½ cup of coconut milk, whisking until completely smooth. If the mixture has the consistency of paste, add a few more tablespoons of milk until it becomes smooth. Set aside.
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan (see note), combine the sugar, remaining coconut milk, and the cream of coconut, and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and add cornstarch mixture a little at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the vanilla.
Remove from heat and pour into a 1-quart mold or 8 custard cups or dessert bowls. Allow to cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
To serve, loosen tembleque by running a knife around the edge of the mold or bowl and invert onto a serving dish. Dust with ground cinnamon. If desired, sprinkle toasted coconut around the base of the tembleque before serving.
Yield: 8 servings
NOVEL THOUGHTS
The Aunties Brigade of Santa Cruz, California, chose their unusual name when group members started having children “and we all became unofficial aunties,” says Storey La Montagne. La Montagne’s partner, Ann Hubble, started the group with college friends who live in the Santa Cruz area.
Although the Aunties read all kinds of literature, La Montagne is a self-described “science-fiction nut” and recommended The Sparrow to the group. Although there was some resistance to science fiction, the group unanimously praised The Sparrow.
“We were fascinated by the combination of science fiction, spirituality, and religion, which makes for compelling reading,” says La Montagne. Auntie Martha Brown enjoyed the “big questions raised in The Sparrow: communication with other types of ‘intelligent’ organisms, the role of religion, Catholicism, and appropriate environmental actions. The Sparrow was remarkably creative and really put me in the moment in a place and society I couldn’t have imagined,” says Brown.
More Food for Thought
When the South Florida Preschool PTA Book Club read The Sparrow, they decided to step into the roles of the central characters, and created a dinner theater of sorts. Several members came attired as characters in the book, and host Jennifer Wollman prepared the same dishes Anne Edwards prepared for Emilio Sandoz before the ill-fated expedition: asopao (a soupy rice), bacalaito frito (fried codfish), and, for dessert, tembleque.