Philip Pullman [Archive] - Book Club Forum

Michelle

21st July 2005, 12:20

Has anyone else read the Dark Materials triology? I started off with Northern Lights, and loved it. It’s just the sort of fantasy book I like, and he has a great imagination. The idea of the daemons was lovely.. having your ‘soul’ take on an animal form, and being a constant companion.

The Subtle Knife was really enjoyable too, although not quite as good as the first.

However, once I got to The Amber Spyglass I started to feel ‘uncomfortable’, because of his anti-religion theme. For me, it went too far, and spoilt the whole experience me. But, I would imagine if you don’t have strong beliefs, it would be a very good trilogy.

What else has he written, are they any good?

Debbie

21st July 2005, 13:04

loved the Philip Pullman books, and I actually enjoyed the exploration of religion, as opposed to belief.

I am a believer with no religion, as I have not found an organised religion that fits with what I have come to believe, (I come from a Baptist/Jewish heritage - very confusing!) and didn't find it disturbed my beliefs very much at all, I found it intriguing and it made me think more about belief and what it means to me, which is a good thing I think!

The books are many layered and I can re read them and find things I missed before, which is always worthwhile.

Debbie

Freewheeling Andy

29th July 2005, 10:29

Philip Pullman was my English teacher for a year.

Vicki

9th August 2005, 09:04

I thought the Philip Pullman books were incredibly well written! I bought them originally for my younger brother to read. Which he did and then insisted I read them too. And I am glad he did! I loved them. A fantastic series.

Jules

22nd June 2006, 21:03

I loved the His Dark Materials trilogy. I found them exceptionally well-written for children's books, dealing with major themes. The "anti organised religion" theme worked well for me personally. The first book was the best, then the second. I liked the last one the least for some reason, maybe because I hated the ending (too sad for me!) :oops:

I did not enjoy the small book Lyra's Oxford - I found it an expensive waste of time. It took the story nowhere new IMO. I was expecting much more of it.

I have read a couple of his Sally Lockhart novels, set in Victorian London, which are completely different but also very good. I own the other two but have yet to find the time to read them. :roll:

I have also read a couple of his other books, which I found extremely disappointing. I think one was called The Broken Bridge(?). To be honest, they read like they'd been written by another person entirely. Perhaps they just go to show how Pullman has improved as a writer, as I think they were his early works.

Lilywhite

23rd June 2006, 09:31

I have these on my to be read pile. Just managed to get them off RISI

Sugar

23rd June 2006, 21:45

I read the first one when I was 13 and it had not long been published. I then had an agonising wait until I was sitting my A levels when the second one was published. Followed by another agonising wait until the 3rd was published, just as I was revising for my 2nd year exams at university. I think my exams may have suffered....

Inver

21st July 2006, 19:22

I have only read the first one.....I didn't think I wanted to go through them one after the other....although now if I went back to them I'm not sure I would remember much about it :roll:

Liz

4th November 2006, 14:36

I read all three a few years back. Really enjoyed the first two in the set, thought they were excellent, but the third one seemed to go just that bit too far. I didn't really enjoy the last book at all, which was a shame because the first two were great.

madcow

5th November 2006, 15:14

I read these a few months ago. I really enjoyed the first two, whizzed throught them in no time but really struggled with the last one. I found it really hard to concentrate and kept losing where i was at. iIam looking forward to seeing the movie though.

Liz

5th November 2006, 20:03

There's going to be a film?

When's that due out?

madcow

5th November 2006, 20:12

According to IMDB it's due out next year and stars Nicole Kidman as Marisa Coulter and Daniel Craig as Lord Asriel and newcomer Dakota Blue Richards as Lyra Belacqua.

Liz

5th November 2006, 20:25

Oh right. May go and see that when it's out. Surely, though, if they're turning all three of the books into one film, they're gonna have to miss out quite a bit.

Mia

5th November 2006, 20:47

From what I heard, they're getting rid of the whole anti-religion theme... Which kind of misses the point. :roll:

Liz

5th November 2006, 20:54

So how's that going to work? That's what the whole of the story is, more or less.

Mia

5th November 2006, 20:59

Exactly! That's why I have the horrible feeling that this film is going to be the worst book adaptation ever. :(

I think I read something about they didn't want to insult religious people in America, but I might be wrong.

Liz

5th November 2006, 21:16

If they're going to completely change the story, why on earth make the film?

Mia

6th November 2006, 13:15

:I-Agree:

Sugar

11th November 2006, 19:39

Oh right. May go and see that when it's out. Surely, though, if they're turning all three of the books into one film, they're gonna have to miss out quite a bit.

They are making 3 films - one for each book. Filming is happening of the first one at the moment.

I think I read something about they didn't want to insult religious people in America, but I might be wrong.

I heard the same thing, but I equally don't think they can miss it out. I guess it will have the aspects of it but without the direct references to religion, heaven and gods.

Jade

7th July 2007, 13:52

Hey,

I have just finished a trilogy by Phillip Pullman called 'His Dark Materials.' I recommend it strongly. It appeals to all ages, and is very imaginative. I couldn't put them down, and neither could my brother! The first book is called 'Northern Lights.' I have learnt that the film is coming out soon so hurry ;). If there is anyone else that has read this book, and know any others that I might enjoy please say.

Happy Reading :readingtwo::readingtwo:
Jade

angerball

7th July 2007, 14:53

I haven't read this trilogy, but I am planning to shortly (when I can find a copy in the library). I've heard only good things about this one, and it has constantly popped up on many popular book lists, so I'm quite eager to get it. :)

Laramie

16th July 2007, 10:44

The film is called the Golden Compass, and although I love the books, I won't be going to see it. In fact, because I love the books so much, I don't want to spoil it.

I tried to listen to the audio version of the Subtle Knife while I was waiting for the book, but it was just so wrong I had to turn it off and just wait. It was spoiling it.

Polka Dot Rock

16th July 2007, 11:21

The film is called the Golden Compass, and although I love the books, I won't be going to see it. In fact, because I love the books so much, I don't want to spoil it.

I know exactly what you mean! I'm curious, but I don't want the films to infect my idea of the books.

Also, I'm so annoyed that the producers wouldn't even 'do' a Harry Potter* and change the title back to Northern Lights for the UK release. Why do we have to put up with the naff-sounding US title?!

*Just in case anyone isn't aware of this, Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone was changed to Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone in America. But when the film was released, they kept the UK title for the UK release and the American one kept it's 'Sorcerer' tag.

Laramie

16th July 2007, 11:55

Completely agree - he isn't even a sorcerer!

Kasei

19th July 2007, 04:00

Northern Lights is coming up fast on my to-be-read list. It looks promising and if all goes well I'll definitely be looking into the rest of the series. Whenever I find out that a book is being adapted to a film that I have an interest in seeing I immediately run to the library to check out the book. I cannot help myself--I have to read the book before I watch the film because I don't want to spoil the book by watching the movie first. I like to get my own ideas about the way everything looks before viewing someone else's interpretation of the author's words.

Also, I'm so annoyed that the producers wouldn't even 'do' a Harry Potter* and change the title back to Northern Lights for the UK release. Why do we have to put up with the naff-sounding US title?!

I'm not fond of the US title either--I think the original title sounds much better. Out of curiosity, does anyone know why many publishers so often feel the need to change the titles of books when they go overseas?

Polka Dot Rock

19th July 2007, 11:33

I'm not fond of the US title either--I think the original title sounds much better. Out of curiosity, does anyone know why many publishers so often feel the need to change the titles of books when they go overseas?

The only thing I can think of is that they (the overseas publishers) must have a very patronising attitude to their own readers! I can understand for some titles, but how does The Golden Compass make more sense than Northern Lights?

Btw, do The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass have different titles in the US?

Kasei

19th July 2007, 13:43

Btw, do The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass have different titles in the US?

Nope, they kept those titles--just changed the first one. Now that I think of it all of the titles are the name of an object except for Northern Lights. Maybe that's why they changed it to The Golden Compass? In order to tie all three titles together? I dunno, just a theory. Who knows the actual reason.

Michelle

19th July 2007, 17:53

happyanddandy

19th July 2007, 19:03

'His Dark Materials' was dramatised at the South Bank about 2 years ago - it was so popular it had a second run for about 6 months the following year. It was a 6 hour production divided into two 3 hour chunks. I took along my eldest of 12 at the time and we just loved it. Look out for it if it comes back again - highly recommended. :smile2:

FishAndChips

20th July 2007, 11:44

I would quite like to try the dark materials books out of curiosity but I'm a bit put off by the anti-religious theme. I will probably read them at some point though.

Blue Eyed Wolf

20th July 2007, 14:18

I read these a few years ago and found them quite interesting. Now i think i'll re read them again lol :readingtwo:

Ratna

30th July 2007, 14:19

I really enjoyed this trilogy a few years ago. I still remember most of it now and for me that usually means it's a good book. The third book is quite extreme on the religious side, but luckily I'm not so religious. I would go to see the movie just out of curiosity.

:D Ratna

lovesreading06

30th July 2007, 14:39

are there scary books?

Polka Dot Rock

31st July 2007, 09:09

are there scary books?

Hmm... Not really, although there was a fairly gruesome moment in a fight scene during the first book that scared the beejezus out of me! :lol: (It was unexpected!)

princessponti

7th August 2007, 16:36

I've just bought the first one, Northern Lights in a beautiful collectors edition. I wanted to buy all three but Johnny wouldn't let me (they would have come to £30 and I don't even know if I like them yet!) - oh I'm a sucker for a collectors edition, it makes me go cold to think that I might not get the other two books to match!!!

I'll let you know my thoughts when I've finished it! It's meant to be masterpiece - can't believe I haven't read them before now!

NiceguyEddie

7th August 2007, 16:59

I like the collector's editions too. I used to buy two or three and stick one on eBay to pay for mine. ;)

My favourite is my Life of Pi.

I've just bought the first one, Northern Lights in a beautiful collectors edition. I wanted to buy all three but Johnny wouldn't let me (they would have come to £30 and I don't even know if I like them yet!) - oh I'm a sucker for a collectors edition, it makes me go cold to think that I might not get the other two books to match!!!

I'll let you know my thoughts when I've finished it! It's meant to be masterpiece - can't believe I haven't read them before now!

angerball

7th August 2007, 17:33

I've just bought the first one, Northern Lights in a beautiful collectors edition.

I've just started this book. It's very early on still (just past page 50), but it's looking good so far. :D

pipsqueak

2nd October 2007, 20:23

I've just started this book to. I'm on pg 133, where are you now? It's awesome. Can't seem to put it down at the moment. Really hope it delivers. :readingtwo:

angerball

3rd October 2007, 05:43

^I stopped after the second book, as fantasy isn't really my genre. I was getting overloaded on the series and needed a break; I still hope to finish it someday though. :)

Janet

5th October 2007, 18:16

Mia

5th October 2007, 19:19

Hopefully you'll like it better this time round, Janet! Northern Lights is probably my favourite of the three (The Amber Spyglass is my least fave).

professorchaos83

14th October 2007, 16:53

i just finished the amber spy glass but i found it really hard to read. Philip Pullman is a great author and the books are awesom but the ending of "the Amber Spyglass" was so sad i hate sad endings lol

he dosnt have the class of JK or the skill of C.S.Lewis in my opinion but there is no doubting his talent as an author

[Admin Edit - this has been moved from another thread, to keep discussions in one place]:

I just finished reading this and i was hoping to get other peoples opinions on the ending of it because i couldnt help but think that it was one of the saddest ending to a book i have read in a very long time. I wont spoil it for the people who havnt read it but it really rocks you to the core. i guess im just a sucker for happy endings

Laramie

14th October 2007, 18:42

Yeah it is a really sad ending. Tears also came to my eyes when She had to leave Pantalaimon (sp?) on the shore when she went to that dead land. It's just the way it was described, I could almost feel my daemon being taken away! :( It's really sad :(

I LOVE these books!!

professorchaos83

15th October 2007, 01:40

Im a guy and i cried at the very end which dosnt happen often to me. Its so easy to get caught up and then when somone dies or somthing bad happens its like its a person in real life weird huh :/

papillon

25th October 2007, 19:09

Oh dear! I shouldn't have read this thread I've just bought these books. Sad endings, guess I'm going to need a box of tissues.

Laramie

26th October 2007, 15:56

you'll love them!

Janet

5th November 2007, 20:08

I read nearly a third of Northern Lights several years ago but gave up because I just found it dull!

However, I have to read it as part of my A2 English Lit course so I'm hoping I'll like it more second time around! :roll:
Hopefully you'll like it better this time round, Janet! Northern Lights is probably my favourite of the three (The Amber Spyglass is my least fave).
Well, I've just finished it and it only took me 4 days (and considering we spent all of Saturday and Sunday doing other things that's good for me - I normally take at least a week to finish a book) and I really enjoyed it this time round, thankfully. :)

We have to compare it to Huckleberry Finn as our A2 English Lit coursework. I'm not sure which aspect of it I'm going to use as my main discussion point. Perhaps friendship or childhood. I don't think I'll go for the religion aspect of it.

Hmm... Not really, although there was a fairly gruesome moment in a fight scene during the first book that scared the beejezus out of me! :lol: (It was unexpected!)
Oh gosh, me too! I'm not good at gore and as you said, it came completely out of the blue!

Mia

5th November 2007, 20:22

I'm glad you enjoyed it Janet! :) Do you think you will read the other two, or is one quite enough? :lol:

Janet

5th November 2007, 21:18

I'm glad you enjoyed it Janet! :) Do you think you will read the other two, or is one quite enough? :lol:
Oh yes, I think so - although probably not until after I've finished my English course.

justme

3rd January 2008, 01:18

I just finished The Golden Compass earlier today. Having seen the movie first (I know, I know) I wasn't sure if I'd get into it, but I couldn't put it down!

Can't wait to start The Subtle Knife!

Gorrigan

5th January 2008, 18:12

I read The Golden Compass at the beginning of last year. I didn't know if I would like it but by the time I was half way through it I realised that I had better order the other two pretty sharpish. I loved them all. They gave me the chance to get into a world that is so different to our own. There's not many books that stop me from putting them down once I start them but these definitely did!!!!!

skysky69

6th January 2008, 11:22

I have got the Northern Lights on my TBR list. I promised I wouldn't watch the film until I had read the book. I have heard mixed reviews that the film is a bit pants, I am not sure people who haven't read the books are completely understanding what is going on.

Laramie

7th January 2008, 09:31

lol i say pants too

so, yeah, I don't think they're saying it's pants in general, just a bad adaptation of the book. I'm not going to see it cuz I know it'll ruin it

Mia

7th January 2008, 20:19

I can't stand film adaptations that make significant changes to the book they're based on. I know things have to be left out due to length etc, but changing things... :irked:

I haven't seen the film, but reading this thread has made me decide that I want to re-read the trilogy this year. It must be a good few years since I read it. :)

Renius

10th January 2008, 00:07

I saw the film before christmas and thought it was really good, having not read any of the books, I wanted to read them all and had then as a christmas pressie. Can't wait :readingtwo:

Emi226

18th January 2008, 17:34

I think they did an okay job on adapting it although it seems quite a bit of the anti religion parts were taken out although not all. Plus they shifted around the timeline a bit. But in terms of staying true to the feel of the story i think they got it.
I love His Dark Materials especially The Amber Spyglass but haven't read any of the others, so i think a couple will be added to my pile. Can anyone recommend which of non Dark materials i should start with?

fireball

19th January 2008, 07:00

There are a few different answers around, including here (http://www.darkmaterials.com/faq1.htm) and here (http://www.hisdarkmaterials.org/information/his-dark-materials-books/the-golden-compass-northern-lights/page/different-titles). :)

Michelle your a star.! I was wondering where the coc:censored:up between us with our title and the US title was all about, makes one wonder do the Americans ever here of a thing called a telephone or e-mail.!:lol: Fascinating sites those, know doubt two of zillions eh.?
Thanks again. :D

O's

21st January 2008, 21:17

I think they did an okay job on adapting it although it seems quite a bit of the anti religion parts were taken out although not all.

Which is interesting, considering the books are not anti religion.

Margo

18th March 2008, 19:38

I've just recently got into Philip Pullman, and have started His Dark Materials Trilogy. I hated the movie The Golden Compass, it was nothing compared to the book.

shadow

30th March 2008, 16:34

I hated the movie The Golden Compass, it was nothing compared to the book.
I agree with you Margo, the movie didn't compare with the book. Their interpretation of the book was lacking. I read the trilogy a while back and only the first two books stick with me the last one (the Amber Spyglass) not so much.
Has anyone read any of his other works?