I found it to be a slow read, more literary then fun, and more hard sci-fi then fantasy sci-fi. Despite being published in 1996 the predicted science is vague enough not to take away from advances since then. 
 In the near future the discovery of nearby alien civilization causes the Jesuits to organize a mission to make contact. Loosely Paralleling historic Jesuit missionary. 
 Like good sci-fi it deals with several social issues and other themes. Faith and devotion is a strong theme throughout. Dealing with significantly different cultures and overcoming one's troubled past. 
 Half the book is dealing trauma and a character's personal struggle to reconcile his faith of a loving God with the horrors and evil he witness. 
 The aliens and world are different and strange by our standards but understandable if not always relatable. Characters are well developed, believable and interesting. I had an issue that every Priest on the mission seemed loose with their faith. I think the organization of the Church was handled well. 
 While funny, clever and hopeful at times this is not a feel good book at the end. If you like first contact stories or theme of struggling with one's faith or traumatic past it's worth a read.