Book Review: His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman (Folio Society edition)

Into this wild abyss,
The womb of nature and perhaps her grave,
Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,
But all these in their pregnant causes mixed
Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight,
Unless the almighty maker them ordain
His dark materials to create more worlds,
Into this wild abyss the wary fiend
Stood on the brink of hell and looked a while,
Pondering his voyage...

                                  -John Milton, Paradise Lost

His Dark Materials trilogy is a children's fantasy series written by the British novelist, Philip Pullman. This trilogy is one of the most revered children's book series in recent history, it won numerous awards and is fast becoming a modern classic. Interestingly, this trilogy was also ranked second, on US banned book list during the 2000s. It is within a reasonable curiosity for one to inquire, why were these books banned? Aren't they just children's books? The answer is, the main themes in these books heavily criticized the religion of Christianity and its worldview, it generated a storm of controversy among religious circles following its publication. Today, these books are still viewed as subjects of controversy among some religious communities.

In 2005, the first book of this series, Northern Lights (A.K.A The Golden Compass) was adapted intoThe Golden Compass movie. The movie was received with mixed reviews. Some of the major complaints about the movie were Pullman's criticisms on religion were heavily toned down and diluted. I have never seen the movie. I am more of a book reader. One day, good fortune smiled upon me, when by chance, I discovered and purchased a beautifully made, deluxe edition of this trilogy. It is published by the renowned book publisher, Folio Society. It was on sale at half price during their summer promotion. 

I started reading these books without knowing what to expect. Normally, I don't read children/YA novels. But I must say, after reading the first chapter in Northern Lights, I was deeply drawn to the book. Once I started, I could not stop reading, and I read all 3 books in 6 days. I think these books are excellent. Today, I will like to review this trilogy. (P.S. In this review, I have included some illustrations from the Folio Society edition of these books)

Synopsis:

His Dark Materials trilogy consists of three books, Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. The story took place in parallel worlds. The story follows the adventures of Lyra, a girl at 12 years of age, and her friend William Parry, a boy of the same age. Under circumstances, these 2 children were brought together, and together they started a journey to fulfill their destiny, a destiny tied with the mysterious Dust, particles of unknown nature which is feared by the religious authority...

What I think about this book:

His Dark Materials trilogy feels like a rework of John Milton's Paradise Lost. In fact, in the forewords section, Philip Pullman acknowledged Paradise Lost, is the main source of inspiration for these books. The themes and scopes of these books are vast and wide. The background of the story is weaved together by fabrics dyed in the colors of quantum physics, theology, philosophy, and the question of morality, gracefully combined and resonating with the main plot. Children will not doubt, be drawn to the breathtaking narratives and Pullman's mind-blowing imaginations. Adult readers will find themselves exploring some of the biggest questions and debates, while standing on the solid turf of story exposition, told from an irreligious perspective. These questions and debates, such as: existence, innocence, experience, knowledge, grace, good, evil, death, and love, are relevant to us all, and explored in this multi-layered, multi-faceted story,

On the second level, His Dark Materials trilogy is also a rework of the Garden of Eden story. I quite enjoyed this aspect of the story, because Pullman wondrously constructed themes and derived meanings for the Garden of Eden story from an alternative, irreligious perspective. Based on good reasoning, this story contrasted the religious arguments proposed by Christian authors such as C.S. Lewis, in books such as The Chronicles of Narnia. Meanwhile, Pullman offered (in my opinion) a reasonable, and thought-provoking critique to the traditional Christian worldview/theology.

On the third level, His Dark Materials trilogy illuminates the importance of independent, critical

thinking. I love the message that we should always question the authority (religious ones in the context of these books), never believe something just because everyone else believes it, and don't let some authority tell you how should think, but think for yourself. Have the courage to differ from the authority, if you discover good reason(s) to be different. My own experience resonates with this message, and it is the reason why I like this trilogy so much. Without independent, critical thinking, and a questioning, curious, open mind, the fate of our kind will be lost in the dark; because we may commit evils unknowingly, while under the impression we are on the side of righteousness.

There is so much to say about this trilogy, and I am unable to cover and discuss every great ideas presented in these books. I absolutely loved it, I think kids and young adults will enjoy these books tremendously, because it is beautifully written, with a great story wrapped in the author's breathtaking imaginations. The adults will also enjoy these books (perhaps even more than kids), because the story within explores the big questions about life which are relevant to us all. These books carry a strong and important message. Ultimately, it is a heart-breaking, yet hopeful story. One that would stand proud as a new classic in English literature. This is a book series I shall visit again and again, to ponder, to wonder, and to marvel at the big questions that made up the journey of life.