This book could be classified simply as science fiction, but sci-fi is only the vehicle in which this deeply thoughtful and well-written story of faith, loss, and redemption is set. In this finely crafted novel, the Jesuit Father Emilio Sandoz, considered a saint by those who know him, is one of a number of other Jesuits and some civilians who undertake a space journey to a recently discovered planet Rakkat. Once there, they find themselves on a paradiasical world and are befriended by a species of sentient beings, thereby allowing themselves to be lulled into a state of innocent, almost mystical but certainly unrealistic delight. Even when they are confronted by the dominent ba Rakkati species, which is much more intelligent but also devious and predatory, they do not realize the danger that looms over them. When Sandoz first experiences loss, his faith continues to keep him strong, but eventually the horror he is subjected to destroys his faith and almost destroys his mind and body. What happens when he returns to Earth and must try to make sense of all that went wrong is as fascinating and compelling as the discovery of, travel to, and exploration of Rakkat. 
 Yes, the premise of an exploratory mission to an alien planet in a solar system far from ours by the Jesuits is a bit farfetched, but not so outrageous that it takes away from the basic thesis of the novel: that faith doesn't protect you from things going terribly wrong, but that God knows about and cares for each the least of us and, though we may not understand perfectly now, there is a plan and a purpose to all that happens. At least that's what I got out of it. 
 As for the writing, it was stupendous, drawing me convincingly into Sandoz's world. All the characters, especially Sandoz, were well-developed and believable. I cared so much for Sandoz, Ann, George, Sophia, Jimmy, and D.W., cared too for the gentle but incurious ba Rakkati. 
 I've read this novel four times ~ three times on audio and once as a book ~ and will probably read it again. It's that good.