Finally finished the 'Dark Materials' trilogy a few days ago and I think the emotion that best describes the experience of reading them back-to-back is 'gobsmacked'. The array of ideas, the tightness of the plot, the tapestery of characters and worlds, and crystal clear descriptions of scenes and scenery, leave the head spinning ... in the best possible way. The third of the three (The Amber Spyglass) was possibly a little too rich in ideas - 'I' slowed down after the blazing speed of the first two - but it picks up pace again to a tumultous finish. A 'must, must read', and if you are lucky enough to know that you will be in London sometime between December 2004 and April 2005, I thorougly recommend you get your wallet or credit card out and book seats for the two-part play at the National Theatre.
You can listen to Philip Pullman discussing a few themes of the book in this BBC Radio 4 programme broadcast last year.
Posted by Joe at June 1, 2004 03:30 PMIt was quite extraordinary, wasn't it? I can only think of one other book (series) that created such crystal clear images in my head.
Posted by: Lisa at June 4, 2004 07:37 AMWhat was the other one?
Posted by: martin at June 6, 2004 07:22 AM