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Books : His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass)
Rating: 
- Great series
His Dark Materials is a really good series of books. I've never been much for fantasy, nor have I read a lot of children's books. Harry Potter looks boring, so I've stayed away. My draw to these books started with a an e-mail forward last Christmas, one of those alarmist e-mails trying to convince me to boycott the movie due to its "atheist themes."...I wanted to see what all the controversy was about, what could rile up the e-mail mob.
Pullman's story is fascinating. Yes, his story does challenge authoritarianism and dogma. He does so in a way that not only entertains, but provokes thoughts, forcing the reader to challenge his beliefs on human nature. The story isn't necessarily anti-God, as much as it deconstructs the mythology we've created around the worship of God. This theme isn't in any way heavy handed...the story is also one of two children growing up and developing their own worldview.
Despite all the symbolism and controversy, these are 3 very good books that were fun to read.
Rating: - Imaginative fantasy
This is one of the most original fantasies I have read in a long time. I found it a good read. The first book is by far the best of the three. However, I think parents should read them first before deciding to give them to their children. These are very dark stories. The first book alone includes murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, torture, and betrayal. It is hard to know who is the good guy, and who is the villain. It is also openly anti-church (not that I had a problem with that, but some people might).
It is interesting that Pullman, an atheist, has written a trilogy that is actually profoundly spiritual. The positive themes (yes, there are some) include friendship, loyalty, honor, cleaning up messes ( both the ones you have made and those of others ), keeping your word, and generally trying to do the right thing. Pullman presents a different concept of "soul" than has previously been explored.
All in all this is a thought-provoking work, and worth the read, but I would say NOT suitable for younger children.
Rating:
- A new look at the world
I thought just as a read it was great fun, mostly the first one, I didn't love the second two nearly as much as the golden compass. But they were still a fun read. But as an older reader I love the ideas of man, heaven, and god. When people say that this book is trying to insult religion and/or christianity don't take their word for it. I do not beileve that is what Pullman was trying to do, he wanted to make you think, and give us a new idea of what life and heaven might be, or mean to us. And he never quite says which side is right or wrong. I strongly suggest these books to anyone who likes to think or just a fun and interesting read!
Rating: - The Death of Dogma and the Birth of Joy
I just finished re-reading Phillip Pullman's astonishing trilogy for the third time. No, I'm not an eager 11-year-old desperate for a Potter substitute. I'm a thirty-two year old English teacher happily immersed in the modern day renaissance that is children's fantasy. Of course, like any renaissance, there are the founding fathers, such as C.S. Lewis. There are the, at times, appallingly bad writers like Stephenie Meyer and there are the highly capable, thrilling storytellers like Madeleine L'engle, Lois Lowry, and J.K. Rowling.
And then there is Phillip Pullman outstripping them all with his spiritually complex, daringly original trilogy, "His Dark Materials."
The great thing about Pullman's series is that it works on two levels. Adult readers (and even academics) will note his ingenious use of literary allusions, scientific theories, history, and various myths and religious beliefs to bring to life not just multiple worlds, but multiple universes. Young readers will appreciate his carefully crafted, highly suspenseful plot, his exciting descriptions of exotic worlds, and his heroic, compelling characters, all of whom must suffer and make difficult choices in a time of great upheaval.
I dare not give any plot details away--the twists and turns are too clever to ruin--but I do want to say a word about Pullman's contribution in terms of fantasy literature for young girls. This series is certainly one that boys will enjoy, chalk full as it is with giant armored bears, action-packed battle sequences, texas ballooners, gyspies, and a young boy, Will, who becomes the second protagonist when he shows up in book two and learns to wield a knife that cuts through the very fabric of the universe.
However, unlike, say, "The Chronicles of Narnia," which demonizes female power, or "The Lord of the Rings," which pushes women to the side, or even "Harry Potter," which, let's face it, is mostly about a young boy's quest, "His Dark Materials" centers on Lyra, a feisty, smooth-talking, brave, highly independent, young, intelligent female protagonist. She absolutely explodes gender expectations and her adventurous, hilariously gutsy spirit leaves you realizing just how few strong female characters we have in fantasy children's (or young adult's) literature. Pullman reverses expectations again with his sympathetic depiction of female witches and with his complex portrayal of Mrs. Coulter, who is neither entirely good nor entirely evil.
[...]
Come with an open mind and you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
- Disturbing
I purchased this box set after seeing the movie and out of curiousity (to see what the Christian Coalition was up in arms about). Books 1 and 2 were fine but when I got to the 3rd I could not finish it. I am a Protestant and perhaps this will turn some folks off from reading this review - perhaps it won't for others. Pullman is an admitted atheist and has advised he wrote these books to be an antithesis to C.S. Lewis' works - Chronicles of Narnia. Pullman has criticized Lewis' works (and everyone has a right to do so of any work, don't get me wrong).
I was actually offended by the fact that Pullman is using children in the story to further his atheistic agenda. There is brutality against the children by the so-called church in his story, making the church out to be a bunch of crazy, evil people... These children are abused psychologically and killed by these very same people. The main character's father and mother are insane as well - not something I see as virtuous at all. Aside from that, Pullman takes the topic of God further by suggesting He is a deceitful and lying entity(I won't spoil it with a more detailed explaination for you if you so choose to read this literature).
[...]
[...] Very disappointed in this series.
- Great seriesHis Dark Materials is a really good series of books. I've never been much for fantasy, nor have I read a lot of children's books. Harry Potter looks boring, so I've stayed away. My draw to these books started with a an e-mail forward last Christmas, one of those alarmist e-mails trying to convince me to boycott the movie due to its "atheist themes."...I wanted to see what all the controversy was about, what could rile up the e-mail mob.
Pullman's story is fascinating. Yes, his story does challenge authoritarianism and dogma. He does so in a way that not only entertains, but provokes thoughts, forcing the reader to challenge his beliefs on human nature. The story isn't necessarily anti-God, as much as it deconstructs the mythology we've created around the worship of God. This theme isn't in any way heavy handed...the story is also one of two children growing up and developing their own worldview.
Despite all the symbolism and controversy, these are 3 very good books that were fun to read.
Rating:
- Imaginative fantasyThis is one of the most original fantasies I have read in a long time. I found it a good read. The first book is by far the best of the three. However, I think parents should read them first before deciding to give them to their children. These are very dark stories. The first book alone includes murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, torture, and betrayal. It is hard to know who is the good guy, and who is the villain. It is also openly anti-church (not that I had a problem with that, but some people might).
It is interesting that Pullman, an atheist, has written a trilogy that is actually profoundly spiritual. The positive themes (yes, there are some) include friendship, loyalty, honor, cleaning up messes ( both the ones you have made and those of others ), keeping your word, and generally trying to do the right thing. Pullman presents a different concept of "soul" than has previously been explored.
All in all this is a thought-provoking work, and worth the read, but I would say NOT suitable for younger children.
Rating:
- A new look at the worldI thought just as a read it was great fun, mostly the first one, I didn't love the second two nearly as much as the golden compass. But they were still a fun read. But as an older reader I love the ideas of man, heaven, and god. When people say that this book is trying to insult religion and/or christianity don't take their word for it. I do not beileve that is what Pullman was trying to do, he wanted to make you think, and give us a new idea of what life and heaven might be, or mean to us. And he never quite says which side is right or wrong. I strongly suggest these books to anyone who likes to think or just a fun and interesting read!
Rating:
- The Death of Dogma and the Birth of JoyI just finished re-reading Phillip Pullman's astonishing trilogy for the third time. No, I'm not an eager 11-year-old desperate for a Potter substitute. I'm a thirty-two year old English teacher happily immersed in the modern day renaissance that is children's fantasy. Of course, like any renaissance, there are the founding fathers, such as C.S. Lewis. There are the, at times, appallingly bad writers like Stephenie Meyer and there are the highly capable, thrilling storytellers like Madeleine L'engle, Lois Lowry, and J.K. Rowling.
And then there is Phillip Pullman outstripping them all with his spiritually complex, daringly original trilogy, "His Dark Materials."
The great thing about Pullman's series is that it works on two levels. Adult readers (and even academics) will note his ingenious use of literary allusions, scientific theories, history, and various myths and religious beliefs to bring to life not just multiple worlds, but multiple universes. Young readers will appreciate his carefully crafted, highly suspenseful plot, his exciting descriptions of exotic worlds, and his heroic, compelling characters, all of whom must suffer and make difficult choices in a time of great upheaval.
I dare not give any plot details away--the twists and turns are too clever to ruin--but I do want to say a word about Pullman's contribution in terms of fantasy literature for young girls. This series is certainly one that boys will enjoy, chalk full as it is with giant armored bears, action-packed battle sequences, texas ballooners, gyspies, and a young boy, Will, who becomes the second protagonist when he shows up in book two and learns to wield a knife that cuts through the very fabric of the universe.
However, unlike, say, "The Chronicles of Narnia," which demonizes female power, or "The Lord of the Rings," which pushes women to the side, or even "Harry Potter," which, let's face it, is mostly about a young boy's quest, "His Dark Materials" centers on Lyra, a feisty, smooth-talking, brave, highly independent, young, intelligent female protagonist. She absolutely explodes gender expectations and her adventurous, hilariously gutsy spirit leaves you realizing just how few strong female characters we have in fantasy children's (or young adult's) literature. Pullman reverses expectations again with his sympathetic depiction of female witches and with his complex portrayal of Mrs. Coulter, who is neither entirely good nor entirely evil.
[...]
Come with an open mind and you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
- DisturbingI purchased this box set after seeing the movie and out of curiousity (to see what the Christian Coalition was up in arms about). Books 1 and 2 were fine but when I got to the 3rd I could not finish it. I am a Protestant and perhaps this will turn some folks off from reading this review - perhaps it won't for others. Pullman is an admitted atheist and has advised he wrote these books to be an antithesis to C.S. Lewis' works - Chronicles of Narnia. Pullman has criticized Lewis' works (and everyone has a right to do so of any work, don't get me wrong).
I was actually offended by the fact that Pullman is using children in the story to further his atheistic agenda. There is brutality against the children by the so-called church in his story, making the church out to be a bunch of crazy, evil people... These children are abused psychologically and killed by these very same people. The main character's father and mother are insane as well - not something I see as virtuous at all. Aside from that, Pullman takes the topic of God further by suggesting He is a deceitful and lying entity(I won't spoil it with a more detailed explaination for you if you so choose to read this literature).
[...]
[...] Very disappointed in this series.
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