I've now got to this post while working through my monster inbox.... So cool to meet Pullman! I heard him speak in Oxford on two separate occasions many years ago and they were unforgettable. Northern Lights is one of my favourite books ever and I've lost count of how many times I've re-read it. However, Pullman also scares me. The reason? Just an opinion, but I think the last two books (The Book of Dust 1 and 2) are really awful! I actually hated them! Could just be me, and clearly not everyone agrees, but what scares me personally is how someone can go from being so good to not! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3040374308
The Book of Dust is so different to His Dark Materials that I can understand that reaction. For a while I actually thought my favourite Pullman novels were his Sally Lockhart novels, and they are brilliant. But on rereading His Dark Materials I have to admit that it is and will always be his magnum opus. In any case, he is one of our greatest living storytellers and it was beyond a privilege to meet him. Thanks for being here, Luke - well done for working through that inbox - Substack can be a blessing and a curse, can't it?!
I've now got to this post while working through my monster inbox.... So cool to meet Pullman! I heard him speak in Oxford on two separate occasions many years ago and they were unforgettable. Northern Lights is one of my favourite books ever and I've lost count of how many times I've re-read it. However, Pullman also scares me. The reason? Just an opinion, but I think the last two books (The Book of Dust 1 and 2) are really awful! I actually hated them! Could just be me, and clearly not everyone agrees, but what scares me personally is how someone can go from being so good to not! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3040374308
The Book of Dust is so different to His Dark Materials that I can understand that reaction. For a while I actually thought my favourite Pullman novels were his Sally Lockhart novels, and they are brilliant. But on rereading His Dark Materials I have to admit that it is and will always be his magnum opus. In any case, he is one of our greatest living storytellers and it was beyond a privilege to meet him. Thanks for being here, Luke - well done for working through that inbox - Substack can be a blessing and a curse, can't it?!
That sounds like a great party - so glad that your lovely cover was shown too.