Gabriel's Lamb

Martin Sparks debut novel is a layer cake of science fiction, medical ethics, and reflections on the borders between science, faith, and politics. In a genre dominated by action stories, tie-ins, and archetypes, the detailed characters and careful science stand out, creating a science fiction story which could unfold in anyone's small town. Twelve-year-old Rosetta has a problem. God speaks to her and fills her life with joy and certainty she longs to share. But on top of the usual problem that no one listens to kids, whenever she tries to talk about God, people send her to "specialists." Worse yet, the latest trip to a specialist went horribly wrong, stranding her in remote Ithaca, New York, far from her home laboratory. So she must search for family in this strange country of lonely people, and despite what kings, priests, and scholars say about her, carry on heeding the voices in her head. But powerful forces stalk Rosie. A high technology firm is desperate to get her back before their rivals get a chance to study her. A government both threatened and tempted by the secrets she embodies needs them to stay secret - one way or another. And a powerful few who take prophesy very seriously are unwilling to let Rosie's version of God interfere with their implementation of the scriptures. Rosetta's allies are few. A fire investigator stumped by an eight foot circle of glass burned into concrete, an unhappily retired workaholic, a Pakistani woman on the run from the Taliban, and a restless university professor are all connected by the girl. But when each of them seems unable to cope with their own lives, how will they curb excesses of science, religion, and politics- and save a child? A sweeping narrative... Rosetta's story touches on an array of timely themes, ranging from Christian fundamentalism to genetic engineering to domestic terrorism...A compelling mystery. - Kirkus Review