I did not read Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy when they were first published starting in 1995.  It wasn’t until HBO recently started advertising its new series based on the books that I became interested. Although marketed as young adult novels these fantasy books, like many of the best of their genre, deal with deep questions about faith, trust, love and what makes us human, which make them something all audiences can enjoy.

In the first book of the trilogy, The Golden Compass, we meet Lyra, a young orphan girl who has lived all her life at Jordan College in Oxford, England. In this world the time  period is somewhat reminiscent of Edwardian England and the other notable difference is that unlike in our world, the souls of each human person are visible as a dæmon or physical creature. Lyra and her dæmon. Pantalaimon, who often manifests as a ferret, have the run of the college and town, so when she is not studying with one of her tutors, she is often exploring or making trouble with her friend Roger who works in the kitchens.

When Lyra learns that her uncle, Lord Asriel is coming to Jordan College on an unexpected visit, she is very excited and hopes that this time she can persuade him to take her with him on his explorations in the North. But before his zeppelin even touches down, Lyra, observes one of the professors pouring a vial of liquid into the decanter of wine meant for Lord Asriel and her suspicions are aroused. Although she warns Lord Asriel and even provides valuable insights on the reactions of his audience to his lecture on the latest developments of his research, he refuses to take her with him on his journey north and Lyra is devastated.

Her anguish is quickly shoved aside, however, when her friend, Roger, mysteriously disappears, along with many other children in the Oxford area. In her distress she turns to Mrs. Coulter, a mysterious woman who wants to adopt her. Lyra agrees on the condition that Mrs. Coulter will help her find Roger. As a farewell gift the head of Jordan College gives Lyra an alethiometer, a truth-telling device to help her. Shaped like a small compass, Lyra must learn how to read it intuitively on her own. Eventually Lyra and Pantalaimon begin to suspect Mrs. Coulter is not trying to find Roger. After they find evidence, which the alethiometer confirms, that indicates Mrs. Coulter and the Church are behind the disappearances of Roger and many other children. Lyra and her dæmon run away and team up with the Gyptians, nomads who live on the canals, who have also lost numerous children to what they call the “Gobblers,” Lyra and her dæmon begin heading North to rescue Roger and the other children.

Although some say this is a retelling of Milton’s Paradise Lost, it quickly becomes quite clear that Pullman has no patience for organized religion, and in fact condemns it for its narrow mindedness and fear of anything that threatens its power and control. Pullman’s criticism of religion has been somewhat controversial, but I found his exploration of the power of the church and its resistance to any scientific exploration that questioned doctrine to be in line with the way the church has acted throughout our history right up until the present day.

Lyra is a compelling character, both naive and fearless. She is driven by her love for her friend, but she doesn’t understand the consequences of the choices that she will have to make. Roger is a stalwart friend, and the Iorek Byrnison, an armored bear, is unforgettable in his formidable majesty, Mrs. Coulter is chilling in her obsession, as is Lord Asriel.

The HBO series based on these books is quite amazing. While keeping quite close to the original, they have made excellent choices in updating the books for current day audiences, and their casting of Lyra (Dafne Keene) and Mrs. Coulter (Ruth Wilson) is phenomenal.

Whether you read the books or watch the series you will not be disappointed! Enjoy!

Brenda’s Rating: *****(5 Out Of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book/TV series to: Lauren, Sharon, Marian and Ken

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in ebook format.