A review by saluki
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

5.0

His Dark Materials deserved its third place on the BBC Big Read (2003) of The Nation's 100 Best Loved Books... and, of course, I voted for the book back then even though I'd only read about a third of the list at that point.

So, fifteen years after the first read, does it still strike such a responsive chord in me?

Yes! And then some. There are so many themes and big ideas explored in Northern Lights yet Pullman still delivers a fantastic adventure story so the book can be read on many levels. Initially it's a story about sinister happenings as children are disappearing at the hands of the Gobblers. Lyra's friend Roger disappears which incites Lyra to rescue him and her journey will teach her things about humanity and the world that will shape her life irrevocably.

Pullman's creation of Daemons is so imaginative and easy to direct in the mind though sadly not on the big screen although I have higher hopes for the BBC TV series with Jack Thorne adapting the books. Expected to air in autumn 2017 and being produced in Wales too... Woot! I'll be watching that.

Daemons as creatures are the outward manifestation of a human soul and an inseparable part of being. Lyra's Pantalaimon represents her soul perfectly changing his creature forms depending on situation, circumstance or emotions. Daemon's eventually keep a fixed form in adulthood and it's interesting which creatures are paired with older characters. Still, it is the existence of daemons and the mystery of Dust, or dark matter, that is most significant in the plot but adds lots of layers of magical, philosophical and scientific thought. And then there is the Aurora Borealis and parallel worlds or universes. Big ideas and seamlessly written. But, it's still Lyra and Pantalaimon with their interactions and mix of innocence and guile that initially attracts... simply great characters. The story starts in a Victorian inspired Oxford setting and the world building is a phenomenal development which expands in subsequent books.

I meant to revisit this trilogy when I bought these tenth anniversary editions five years ago. It was great to get reacquainted with some favourite characters especially Iorek Byrnison, an armoured bear, and mercenary balloonist Lee Scoresby, among others. The new notes in this edition by Lord Asriel from the Jordan College library is a fun addition too.

I'm sure I'll read this book again at some point. And, Pullman is currently working hard on getting The Book of Dust finished. I want it... like, yesterday!