Is this really the end for Lyra Belacqua? Thirty years after readers first encountered Philip Pullman’s scruffy, determined waif in Northern Lights, the first installment of the His Dark Materials trilogy, the English author is letting her go. The publication of The Rose Field—the third and final installment of The Book of Dust, a second trilogy that extends the story of Lyra and her cosmic battle against the theocratic organization known as the Magisterium—marks 79-year-old Pullman’s farewell to his now 20-something heroine.
For those unfamiliar with the series, the significance might seem elusive. However, for millions of readers who have been living in Lyra’s world since 1995, the arrival of The Rose Field is a literary event of monumental proportions. Many were children when they first read the books; now, they are adults with children of their own. His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust have collectively sold over 49 million copies worldwide.
The Phenomenon of Lyra Belacqua
Pullman’s work, initially categorized as children’s fiction, found a broad audience. “If His Dark Materials had been published as an adult book, it would have gone straight onto the shelves labelled ‘fantasy’. And that means no ordinary adult reader would have touched it,” Pullman explains. Children, he argues, are “literary omnivores,” eager to explore new worlds and ideas. This openness led to a multi-generational phenomenon where young readers invited their parents to join in discussions about faith, authority, and growing up.
Now, as this phenomenon reaches its climax, Pullman admits from his Oxfordshire home that he’s a little “frazzled” by the attention. “But I enjoy it—it’s not something that I put up with grudgingly,” he says. Despite the conclusion of Lyra’s story, Pullman hints at future possibilities within the universe he created, expressing interest in exploring other characters like Will Parry and Abdel Ionides.
Exploring Deeper Themes
Pullman’s narratives are renowned for their exploration of complex themes. In his books, consciousness is represented by a mysterious particle called Dust, which is attracted to sentient beings and connected to fundamental senses such as curiosity and love. Lyra seeks to understand it, while the Magisterium views Dust as a manifestation of original sin. Pullman aims to provide a fuller explanation of Dust’s nature in The Rose Field.
“Matter is an extraordinary thing—much stranger than we think,” says Pullman. “My head is made entirely of matter; you can cut it apart and drill holes in it, but you’ll find nothing but matter. Yet I’m conscious; I’m conscious of this glass of water in my hand. Where does this consciousness come from?”
Pullman is intrigued by the idea of panpsychism—the notion that everything is conscious. “There’s consciousness everywhere—it’s like a field that goes through the whole universe. Dust is our perception, our imagination looking at the Rose Field,” he explains.
Controversy and Conviction
Despite his high-profile status and outspoken views, Pullman has largely avoided controversy. However, in 2022, he resigned as the president of the Society of Authors after defending British poet Kate Clanchy on Twitter. Pullman insists that the incident has not made him more cautious about expressing his opinions.
“I’ve always felt that what is derogatorily called political correctness is just another term for being polite. I have always tried to be polite and I have never felt vulnerable to the accusation of being rude, or thoughtless, or offensive,” he states.
As Pullman concludes Lyra’s story, he embarks on a new project—a memoir titled Before I Forget. Reflecting on his own life, he recalls his childhood as the son of an RAF pilot and the influence of his grandfather, a Church of England rector. These experiences, coupled with his literary influences, have shaped his narratives and his views on religion and consciousness.
The Legacy of ‘The Book of Dust’
With The Rose Field now available, Pullman leaves a lasting legacy in the world of literature. His exploration of philosophical and scientific themes, combined with a rich narrative tapestry, ensures that Lyra Belacqua’s journey will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
For now, fans can savor the conclusion of an epic saga that has captivated the imaginations of millions worldwide. As Pullman moves forward with new projects, the world he created remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring quest for understanding.
