A review by saturdayslaughter
The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Eh. Im not deeply slighted at this turn for Lyra, I just think the whole thing was pretty messy. It just made me wonder what Mr. Pullman was thinking a lot. But there was plenty of compelling things going on I guess.
The thesis it is that people need more wonder at the world and less cold detachment, and sure that works, it just felt weirdly aggressive sometimes. It was so interesting watching that thread. He also made some really weird tonal choices I think, like (vague minor spoilers) What compelled him to write this? It’s just so meandering, I feel like he loves this world and didn’t streamline the story enough in favor of exploring everything he can.
I want to know if the coming romance between is popular with fans, I think it adds basically nothing and is kind of uncomfortable.
I want to go read an essay dissecting this novel, there’s so much disconnected stuff going on. Was interested in the development of some of the plot and characters, for the most part I was just kind of along for the ride, feeling out how I felt about a story that largely hit me with mixed feelings— especially in the second half.
Also, the whole treatment of the the niqab Lyra briefly wears was just really uncomfortable. Plenty of imagery throughout had a lot of orientalism vibes, I think he probably fumbled plenty of other stuff that was less obvious to me. I’d also like to read dissections of that.
The thesis it is that people need more wonder at the world and less cold detachment, and sure that works, it just felt weirdly aggressive sometimes. It was so interesting watching that thread. He also made some really weird tonal choices I think, like (vague minor spoilers)
Spoiler
there’s a random horrific naval tragedy and later an unnecessary attempted rape.I want to know if the coming romance between
Spoiler
Malcom and LyraI want to go read an essay dissecting this novel, there’s so much disconnected stuff going on. Was interested in the development of some of the plot and characters, for the most part I was just kind of along for the ride, feeling out how I felt about a story that largely hit me with mixed feelings— especially in the second half.
Also, the whole treatment of the the niqab Lyra briefly wears was just really uncomfortable. Plenty of imagery throughout had a lot of orientalism vibes, I think he probably fumbled plenty of other stuff that was less obvious to me. I’d also like to read dissections of that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape