The Book of Dust – Volume 1: La Belle Sauvage
Phillip Pullman
2018, 449 pages
Fiction
This chronological prequel to the Golden Compass is a must-read, regardless of whether or not you are already familiar with the His Dark Materials Trilogy.
Learn about Lyra’s beginnings through the eyes of the brave souls who protected and transported this future heroine as an infant through harrowing perils and plights. This dark adventure story focuses on the journeys, decisions and sacrifices of characters who will stop at nothing to stand up for the things they believe in, such as knowledge, truth and compassion. And, of course, villains equally intense in their convictions.
While some classify this as a Young Adult novel, because two of the main protagonists are themselves young adults, I believe it is equally fitting for adults. It delves into extremely complex philosophical and moral gray territories and is loaded with adult themes and situations.
Stellar characterization and provocative plot and concepts make this an enrapturing read that will leave you contemplative about the nature of – well, everything.
Inga CullenConcord Public Library
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