Short Book Review: The Golden Compass
This book, the first of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy (a reference to a line from Milton’s Paradise Lost, which was an inspiration for the series) is actually a re-read: this was one of three books I took with me to Scotland when I moved there in 2001 (the other two, if you’re interested, were The Fellowship of the Ring and Watchmen). When I first read it, almost seven years ago, the book fell flat for me—then again, I wonder how much of it had to do with my circumstances. The second time through I enjoyed it much more; in part, that’s circumstantial as well, as I’m currently involved in writing a young-adult sci-fi book, and Pullman’s work is so good it makes me all too cognizant of everything I’m doing poorly (especially his complex and nuanced portrayal of heroine Lyra). But of especial interest is the story’s relationship with religion and spirituality—two concepts which are curiously divorced and at odds in the book. The books will no doubt garner even more intention when the movie adaptation of the first volume opens next week; some religious figures have already called for boycotting the movie because of its story (here’s a story in the Boston Globe in defense of Pullman and the trilogy, but be aware there are spoilers for those, like me, who haven’t read the entire series).
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I have all three on audio CD if you or anyone you know would be interested in them. They’re narrated by Pullman with a cast for the characters.
By zandperl on 11.27.07 7:52 pm
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