Customer Reviews

Dark Matter: Shedding Light on Philip Pullman's Trilogy

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This past week I was sent a disturbing email in regard to the upcoming movie release of "The Golden Compass" based on the novel of the same title by Philip Pullman.
After reading the article which was linked to the email and talking with a friend who has actually read Pullman's trilogy I began to read Tony Watkin's book.
Watkin's book covers the topic of this controversial trilogy and movie in three parts:
1. The Storyteller. This gives you a biographical sketch of Philip Pullman, explaining how life experiences have shaped the person/author he is today.
2. Synopsis of the books in the His Dark Materials trilogy: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass.
3. Shedding Light On His Dark Materials discusses the theological message of the series from a Christian perspective.
Watkin's had Pullman's full cooperation and assistance in writing this book. I highly recommend Watkin's book for those parents who have concerns about Pullman's trilogy or would like a better understanding of the trilogy before they begin reading.

I'm a big fan of the Philip Pullman books. I consider him to be an excellent writer and storyteller. However, the "His Dark Materials" books deal with issues that need to be thought over and discussed carefully. I appreciated this book as a well-thought out and interesting look at Philip Pullman's background, his personal views, his goals in writing the books, and the historical and religious background behind the books. I especially appreciated the author's candid expression of his enjoyment of the books. He admitted that he was a fan of Philip Pullman, while disagreeing with his message. I enjoyed seeing a Christian opinion of the book that fully appreciated Philip Pullman's wonderful storytelling, but still seriously considered anti-Christian or anti-Church messages in the trilogy.

Having heard Watkins interviewed on a radio talk show, compelled to read this book and it was certainly worth it.

Watkins is none of the Christians who embarrass the rest of us believers who categorize the trilogy as Satanic and to be avoided by all at all costs simply because it challenges God's church.

This helps no one. Watkins helps all in providing his take on the sources, influences and even critique of Pullman's trilogy using science, Scripture and other sources. Watkins is in fact a fan of Pullman's fantasy writing and expresses even agreement with the majority of Pullman's morals expressed.

There is beneficial stuff especially on science background of parallel universes (Watkins is a physics grad)and others such as literary influences of Milton, Von Kleist and Blake. His conclusion that Pullman inverts Second Century Gnosticism is spot on!

Worth reading.

If all Christians would respond the same way Tony Watkins has with this review of His Dark Materials...I do not think Philip Pullman would dislike the "church" the way he does. Mr. Watkins shows unconditional love and consistent respect to Philip Pullman while giving a critical review of his work. This work is well researched, and completely thought out. It is not an emotional dogmatic drum beat of an automaton.

Whilst I will admit Tony Watkins text does provide an insightful overview of the His Dark Materials series, with specific analysis of each book, I found the bulk of the theme analysis in section three to be poor. Watkins overtly evangelical answers to the theological questions posed by Pullman's series, negates a thorough synthesis of historical theology and Philosophy. However, if it is spin you are looking for, then this text is for you.

This is an excellent read for all those who are at all affected by Pullman's trilogy, directly or indirectly. It provides thorough understanding without scathing criticisms; even when Watkins has a disagreement with Pullman, he does not go on to verbally bash his material. He provides an EDUCATED opinion, then goes on to the next subject. Watkins is so far the most respectable critic that I have read, simply because he himself respects the views of others without denouncing them. Sometimes I myself disagreed with his arguements, but not disrespectfully, because again, his arguements and stances were educated instead of condescending.

Narrow-minded writers and critics like Peter Hitchens should take a dose of Watkins's style.