You are probably confusing two different authors here. “The Sparrow” is a contemporary novel (1996) by Mary Doria Russell. (Sequel book: “The Children of God”) that I do recommend and we had extensive discussion about it in this thread about a year ago.
My more recent literary excitements here were regarding novels by George MacDonald (there’s your 19th century theology author). Especially his novel: “The Curate’s Awakening”. Don’t write off that one too quick because of its age. You might like it too.