Why I love His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

 

It's supposed to be a book series for youngsters/ young adults, yet – like the Harry Potter books – has gained popularity in older readers as well: His Dark Materials is a fantasy-sci-fi-trilogy by Philip Pullman, which touches upon a wide scope of topics. It has even been made into a movie. But: You need to read the novels! Here is why (no spoilers!) ...

 

What's it about

The first volume, sometimes called Northern Lights, sometimes The Golden Compass, starts with the main character Lyra, a mischievous 12-year-old girl, growing up without parents, who picks up on some secrets. Then her friend goes missing and she sets out to search for him.

In Lyra's world every person has a 'demon', a manifestation of soul, coming in the form of an animal, that can change its shape until a person reaches adulthood. Her demon is called Pantalaimon. He, of course, accompanies her on her quest, where she encounters all kinds of creatures, like armoured polar bears, magical tools and phenomena, friends, foes, and other perils.

In the second volume, The Subtle Knife, we are introduced to Will, a very different character. He meets Lyra and together they follow their objectives as well as try to unravel the mystery of Dust, a strange matter which is at the heart of the tale.

What's so great about His Dark Materials

This story is about so much! There is mystery and adventure, there is spirituality and science such as the "many-worlds"-theory, there is the nature of childhood and coming-of-age, there is the topic of one's own mortality, there is personal growth, revolving around courage, endurance, love, sexuality – and so much more ...

The narrative dives right in and doesn't pause to explain; it simply unfolds, making it at times fast pasted and always captivating. And Pullman effortlessly crafts worlds that feel simultaneously familiar and strange, tapping into the essence of the uncanny.

His Dark Materials stands out as revolutionary literature for young readers on multiple fronts, chiefly because of its unflinching honesty about the world and the nature of childhood itself. Within its pages, truths about society and the complexities of being a child are laid bare. Characters like the angels Balthamos and Baruch serve as early introductions to representations of gay love, expanding young minds beyond conventional narratives. Pullman's portrayal of women is equally groundbreaking; they are depicted as academics, imperfect mothers, heroes, and sexual beings—fully realized and allowed to be human.

Pullman's understanding of the importance of questioning and broadening one's perspectives is evident throughout his work. Unlike much traditional nostalgic literature, he doesn't romanticize childhood innocence. Instead, he acknowledges that childhood is fraught with its own challenges. Loss, love, and friendship wield their most profound impact during these formative years. Pullman doesn't mourn the loss of innocence; rather, he celebrates the transition to understanding, embracing the pursuit of knowledge and the courage to challenge established beliefs.

His Dark Materials touches upon these profound subjects while still being fun to read, entertaining, an action-filled adventure. And, not to forget: Pullman creates unique characters, far from being perfect they are still so wonderful and even inspiring, their bonds and interpersonal challenges making the story so touching, at times so sad you can't hold back your tears.

 

The Movie

I did not watch the movie and I will not. The books are so fantastic and offer so much space for one's own imagination, I do not want my His Dark Materials, the way I picture Lyra and her demon, Will and all the others, to be destroyed by the motion pictures. I highly recommend reading the trilogy first if you are thinking about watching the movie.