His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass
Posted by Lanea on Monday, August 27th, 2007
The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
A dear friend of mine loaned me these books a few years ago, and I have no explanation for why it took me so long to read them. But when I was waiting for the last Harry Potter book to be delivered, I read a book jacket, saw the word "panzerbjorn," and dove right in.
I have a love-hate relationship with fantasy novels. Several of my favorite books are fantasies. But the genre as a whole is so full of trash. Trash, I say. So I’m wary of most fantasy, just as I’m wary of most historical-fiction. And critics are generally no help, because they don’t take the genre seriously. They trot out comparisons to Tolkien or Lewis, apt or no, and call it a day without really thinking about how successful the author was in developing a decent plot or engaging, robust characters.
Right, so, screed over. These books are amazing. Pullman obviously loves writing for adolescents, and genuinely likes kids. He doesn’t pander or condescend. And his language is gorgeous. I like the Harry Potter books, truly, but it’s refreshing to see such a brilliant writer create this sort of material. Lyra, Will, and the rest of the major characters are all engaging and lovable, but also believably flawed. And, of course, the books are page turners. But it doesn’t feel like Pullman just packed in the plot points to keep the story moving.
I know some readers have been offended by the negative light the books shine on the Church, but I’ll stand right up and say it’s about time. So much fiction written for kids and teens is saccharine, overtly religious, and leaves no room for atheists or kids of other faiths. And you know what? Most major religious have done some incredibly nasty things throughout human history, and teens are capable of seeing negative portrayals of Religious characters without abandoning their faith or turning against their neighbors. I grew up with Narnia, and loved it, but I also knew I was never going to make the guest list to Lewis’s version of heaven. Kids like me need to feel embraced by literature too.
Filed in Books | 8 responses so far
Janeon 28 Aug 2007 at 7:24 pm 1Well said. I have been having a blast this summer, putting these books into the right hands. Is there some room on your soapbox?
--Debon 28 Aug 2007 at 10:14 pm 2Sometimes I think I’m the only person who did NOT like these books. Stealing what amounted to those children’s souls? Awful, awful, and I couldn’t get past that . . . And believe me, I tried! I even read the first two books twice . . .
Aeson 29 Aug 2007 at 9:02 am 3With the movie coming out I’ve been wondering what they’ll do with the anti-Church (anti-God, really) message. I can’t imagine they’ll do it justice in today’s political climate.
amyon 29 Aug 2007 at 9:30 am 4i need to reread these before the first movie comes out — usually i’m skeptical of movies made from my favorite books.. but this one looks like it might turn out OK. Still.. always a struggle. Do I go and risk my own vision shattering?
I’ll probably go.
Taraon 29 Aug 2007 at 9:58 am 5Oh yay! I am right in the middle of this series myself–halfway through The Subtle Knife and enjoying it immensely. Watched the trailer for Golden Compass yesterday; it looked promising.
rachelon 29 Aug 2007 at 11:01 am 6I read a really great piece on Pullman in the New Yorker a couple of years ago that almost made me want to read this series, what with all the hardcore atheism and all. But I really, really don’t like reading fantasy so I just don’t know if I can do it.
KathyMarieon 29 Aug 2007 at 12:26 pm 7I just wanted to say right on! with the Narnia thing. I grew up reading them too, and balked at the obvious Christian imagery after I figured it out. Thanks for saying that.
kon 29 Aug 2007 at 2:13 pm 8I guess it’s because I think religion *has it’s issues*, to be gentle, the anti-religion thing seemed normal to me, and I’ve foolishly recommended these books to religious people. I’ve read the whole series three times, and cry through the whole third book.
And Hester – need I say more? Now I have to go cry somewhere for a while…