Critique:
The characters in this book are really interesting. Even the minor characters play their roles well, appearing for specific purposes and yet working together almost seamlessly. Lyra is such a wonderfully written lead character. It’s as if she never had innocence, thrown into an adult life from the very beginning having lost her parents and living among the scholars at Jordan College. But from this she gains independence and a knack for figuring things out on her own, discovering her surroundings and enjoying every thrilling minute. She makes connections to people in different ways, but maintains them well. Starting with Roger’s disappearance, Lyra and Pantalaimon venture out on a journey full of the unknown and false realities. Whether Lyra is being groomed by Mrs. Coulter only to find out that she is the head of the Gobblers, taken in by Ma Costa, whom she had previously played childish pranks on, or put in the position to save the kidnapped children and stop the separation of child and daemon, the young girl is head-strong throughout all of it. We feel her confusion as she realizes who her parents are, we feel her horror and emptiness when Pan is too far from her, we feel her curiosity when she learns how to use the Alethiometer, we feel her exhaustion when she travels north, we feel her shock when she sees Lord Asriel kill Roger. Pullman does a great job of making the reader truly understand Lyra’s emotions because of how well her character is written. She is so multidimensional and at the same time very believable as a young girl on a journey of self-discovery.
The setting of this story is perfect for the book. It has enough realistic elements that it feels like we have been there, and yet it is intermixed with other worlds and dimensions that immerse us in its fantasy. The distinction between land people and water people is intriguing, and the lives of the humans, witches, bears, and daemons brings a depth to the fantastical elements that is really exciting. Although certain elements of the plot were predictable, not many were; Pullman was able to carry through with a story line based on nicely placed clues without giving too much away. I was shocked when Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel were working together at the end. I love how it felt as if we, as readers, discovered things right along with Lyra, which made the flow of the book wonderful and engaging.
In general, I thought this book was wonderful. There were certain parts I had to re-read, especially at the end because everything was thrown at us so fast, but overall it was a great read. I had to force myself to stop when we were supposed to, and even then I still read ahead. I plan to read the following two books in the series this summer, even if I have to re-read The Golden Compass to really be able to follow along. :)
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