By Stephen J. MillerAfter viewing the movie The Golden Compass, I decided to read the second Phil Pullman book of the trilogy.
The Subtle Knife is the continuation of the story of Lyra, a girl who lives in a parallel universe. In this world, people's souls exist outside of their bodies in the form of animals. Also, a fascist theocracy called the Magisterium runs everything. And there is this magical unseen dust (like the Force) that scares the Magisterium and that Lyra is connected with.
The Subtle Knife introduces some of the other parallel worlds, including ours and a world where ghosts go around sucking the souls out of adults. Besides the golden compass that Lyra uses (like a very detailed Magic 8 Ball), there is this knife that can "cut" doorways between the worlds. There is also William, a young man who is seeking his dad, and also, he has some magic powers.
We get it, there is a lot going on! Thank Gah the characters are fairly well-drawn and often funny. The rest of the time we're being introduced to magical theories and mystical stuff and powerful knickknacks and spiritual mumbo-jumbo. The underlying story of fascism and free thought is fun in a book meant for teenagers. It is never dull, and there are only a few chapters where the plot stops for lecture and dissertation.
My issue is always the same with these books. I don't personally like "wouldn't it be cool if" stories. I am not fascinated with cool ideas if there is no human connection. Why do I care? What does this say about humans? Sure, it would be cool if a flying unicorn propelled itself by farting glittery rainbows that made all of the forest creature high. But, fer Gah's sake, don't write a whole fucking book about shit you invent in your head because you suck at human interaction!
There, rant finished. When the humans are actually talking with each other, The Subtle Knife isn't half bad.
The Subtle Knife
by Philip Pullman
368 pages
Knopf, 1997
$22.99
Links:
-Read an Extract
-Author's Website
Film announced for 2009 release December 2007