Tuesday 21 June 2016

Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman

This may be the most important review I have ever done. This is simply because this book, Northern Lights, is one of my most favourites of all time. So yes, this review is going to be extremely precious and biased. Sorry in advance.

So, let's jump right in.

Northern Lights presents a new layer of fantasy intertwined with intellect, humility and ingenious invention. By subtly promoting the idea of alternate universes, Pullman guides us through a universe of immense possibility. I would have to say that this presentation of alternate universes has been the best one I have encountered so far. By intricately weaving science and fantasy, something wholly new and unique is created.

The story centres in on Lyra, a feisty heroine who gets herself into a situation much bigger than her own true self. She must go on a quest with the sea-faring gyptians to find children wrongfully taken for experimentation.

If, like me, in your stories you look for noble and kind and funny sidekicks, then this book is perfect for you. Because no matter who you are in this story or who you follow, protagonist or antagonist, there is a daemon for everyone. A person's daemon is literally their soul incarnate, you can never be separated from them.

Without them, you are literally without a soul. Without a reason to live. I won't give away all the magical details of this fantastical connection. You want to know more? Read the book.

Pullman's writing style is fluid and intimate, with lengthy sentences and expressive dialogue. Every word and the way it's said gives the reader a deeper insight into who this character is and what their motive is. But even then there are layers and layers to these beloved characters that, much like the alternate universes themselves, allow for unexplored depths of the character and the story itself.

Deception, intrigue and a deep sense of unity and love, this story is a great tapestry of various themes and ideas that I think if it were done by anyone other than Pullman, it wouldn't have worked. Everything neatly ties together to create a joyful little bundle of a story that I feel should be up on the shelf with the classics. Lyra and Pan should be considered alongside Potter, Pevensie and Frodo. This is a story that every child should read and then read to their children after them.

Quote: “When he'd sworn at her and been sworn at in return, they became great friends.”  

I'm sure this won't come as a surprise but... 5 out of 5 stars.

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