After watching the movie “the golden compass” for christmas (I was enchanted by the story/idea but a little disappointed by the movie) I did a little research… it is actually called “Northern Lights” and is the first part of a trilogy called “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman and it goes so much deeper than the movie.. I really don’t regret having banned television out of my life.. I think I might ban movies next.
This book has shaken me like few before.. partly because of the “steampunk” / fantasy setting but also because of Pullman’s way how he follows the protagonists – Lyra (and later Will) – and their “Daemons” through a fantastic adventure and (to quote wikipedia)
His Dark Materials, a trilogy of fantasy novels by Philip Pullman, comprises Northern Lights (1995 — released as The Golden Compass in North America), The Subtle Knife (1997) and The Amber Spyglass (2000). The trilogy follows the coming of age of two children, Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, as they wander through a series of parallel universes against a backdrop of epic events. The story involves fantasy elements such as witches and armoured polar bears, but alludes to a broad range of ideas from fields such as physics, philosophy, and theology.
Now that I have a child (and I hope more will come) that might one day request from me to read them stories: This one is definitely on the list!!!
Spoilers follow, if you plan to read the book, don’t read on…