Is this truly the end for Lyra Belacqua? Thirty years after readers first met Philip Pullman’s scrappy, determined heroine in Northern Lights, the English author is saying goodbye. The release of The Rose Field, the third and final installment of The Book of Dust trilogy, marks Pullman’s farewell to his now 20-something protagonist. This concluding chapter extends Lyra’s cosmic battle against the theocratic Magisterium, a storyline that has captivated audiences worldwide.
For those unfamiliar with Pullman’s work, the publication might seem insignificant. However, for millions who have journeyed through Lyra’s parallel worlds since 1995, the arrival of The Rose Field is monumental. Many of these readers were children when they first encountered Lyra; now, they are adults with children of their own. The series, including His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust, has sold over 49 million copies globally.
The Literary Phenomenon of His Dark Materials
Pullman insists he does not write for a specific audience, yet his work was initially categorized as children’s fiction, which played to his advantage. He explains,
“If His Dark Materials had been published as an adult book – which it could have been – it would have gone straight onto the shelves labelled ‘fantasy’. And that means no ordinary adult reader would have touched it.”
Children, he argues, are “literary omnivores” who encouraged their parents to engage with the series, thus creating a multi-generational publishing phenomenon.
Now, this phenomenon reaches its climax. Speaking from his Oxfordshire home, Pullman admits to feeling a bit “frazzled” by the attention but enjoys it nonetheless. He confirms,
“Yes, I’m done with that story. It’s a nice world to be in and I know my way around. But Lyra’s story is done, it’s come to an end.”
Possibilities Beyond Lyra’s Story
While Lyra’s story has concluded, Pullman hints at potential new narratives involving other beloved characters. Will Parry, whose budding romance with Lyra was cut short, and Abdel Ionides, a merchant and guide in The Rose Field, may feature in future tales. Pullman muses on Will’s future,
“I’ve hinted that Will might become a doctor. I can just imagine how a doctor with a daemon would go about diagnosing a patient.”
For now, any new stories will have to wait as Pullman embarks on writing a memoir titled Before I Forget. Born in 1946, Pullman reflects on his upbringing as the son of an RAF pilot, a childhood marked by global travels and the mysterious death of his father in a plane crash in Kenya.
The Philosophical Underpinnings of Pullman’s Work
Pullman’s storytelling is deeply intertwined with philosophical and scientific exploration. In his books, consciousness is symbolized by a mysterious particle called Dust, which is attracted to sentient beings and linked to curiosity and love. Pullman aims to further elucidate Dust’s nature in The Rose Field, though he acknowledges the complexity,
“Matter is an extraordinary thing – much stranger than we think. My head is made entirely of matter… Yet I’m conscious; I’m conscious of this glass of water in my hand. Where does this consciousness come from?”
Intrigued by panpsychism, Pullman suggests that consciousness permeates the universe, a concept he explores through the metaphor of Dust. Despite the philosophical depth, Pullman maintains a critical stance on organized religion, famously stating that his books are about “killing God,” a declaration that once earned him the label of “the most dangerous author in Britain.”
Navigating Controversy and Public Discourse
Despite his bold views, Pullman has largely avoided controversy. However, in 2022, he resigned as president of the Society of Authors after defending British poet Kate Clanchy on Twitter, a move that spurred significant backlash. Pullman reflects,
“I thought she [Clanchy] was being unfairly criticised and came to her defence on Twitter. I was roundly abused and I felt I should resign as president.”
Unfazed by the incident, Pullman continues to speak his mind, advocating for what he considers politeness. He remarks,
“I’ve always felt that what is derogatorily called political correctness is just another term for being polite. If you speak politely and treat people with courtesy, you’re much less likely to upset them.”
As The Rose Field hits the shelves, readers can look forward to a conclusion that ties together decades of storytelling, while Pullman himself turns the page to new personal projects. The legacy of Lyra Belacqua, however, will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
