The Subtle Knife, Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition (His Dark Materials, Book 2) by Philip Pullman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Subtle Knife, Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition (His Dark Materials, Book 2)
Book Review: Dark Materials Trilogy No Better or Worse Than Narnia Books
Summary: 3 Stars
It is interesting to me to read the outrage over a book trilogy that is unapologetically anti-church. I don't believe Philip Pullman ever made an attempt to disguise his beliefs on the subject of faith nor did I expect his books to reflect anything else. What I find so hypocritical are the people who condemn one series (The Dark Materials Trilogy) for being "propaganda" while completely sparing another series. The Chronicals of Narnia books were, just like the Dark Materials Trilogy, written by a person who made no bones about his beliefs nor about his desire to express them in children's literature. Yet because C.S. Lewis' popular works are pro-Christian they have been spared the censure that has been heaped on Philip Pullman. I've read books in both series and find Pullman's work to be neither better nor worse in "propaganda" than anything C.S. Lewis wrote. I say read both with an awareness of the author's intent and then judge for yourself.Book Review: An astounding second book
Summary: 5 Stars
The first book of this amazingly rich story was great, but nothing could have prepared me for the second book where things get more fast paced and the story more fleshed out. Lyra is no longer alone in her quest and her new companion, Will, makes for a great and compelling character. Book Review: Disappointing on a number of levels . . .
Summary: 1 Stars
. . . certainly inappropriate for the intended audience.
A DISCLAIMER!!! For the critics who automatically assume that every 1-star review is written by some kook who has not read the books, I can assure you that not only have I read the books, a cursory glance at my Amazon.com profile will show that I have a long history of interaction with many, many fantasy and science fiction authors, and have reviewed many, many works in this genre.
At the time of this writing, there have literally been thousands of reviews regarding the three volumes in Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. Rather than to re-hash what has been previously worked to death, I just wish to offer a few thoughts.
1) As stated in my review of "The Golden Compass", the writing is, honestly, not of particularly high quality. The comparisons some reviewers have made with JRR Tolkien just don't, from a literary perspective, hold water. The quality of writing has fallen dramatically, even from the first volume.
2) The book is agenda-driven. Say what you like (and many reviewers and commentators have) but the book is agenda-driven. This, in and of itself, is certainly no crime (whether one agrees with or approves of the agenda or not) but the suggestions denying an agenda frankly, seem to me to be dishonest. In "The Subtle Knife", the anti-religion agenda is really ramped up. (Some reviewers might note that the "Magisterium" in Lyra's world has significant differences from the Church in our world -- but in "The Subtle Knife" Will comes from "our world" -- and it is clear that what is being attacked; what is being targeted is not merely Christianity in general, but Catholicism in particular.
3) I've mentioned in my review of "The Golden Compass" that, if the focal point of Pullman's attack had been based on Judaism or on Islam, no publisher (or movie production company, for that matter!) would have touched the manuscript with a 10-foot pole. Nevertheless, Christianity, and especially Catholic Christianity remains a socially accepted target for religious bigotry. I find the double-standard to be hypocritical.
4) Finally, another reviewer asked me a legitimate question. He asked me if the series had not been so obviously targeted at the 9-12 age group, would I be as critical of the series. It was a valid point -- and my answer is yes. I would have probably given "The Subtle Knife" two stars.
Regardless of one's religious viewpoint, parents have a responsibility to judge the appropriateness of the reading (and viewing) material of their children. As a father and as an educator, I find "The Subtle Knife" -- like its predecessor -- to be inappropriate for the target age group. As a person of faith, I find "The Subtle Knife" to be thinly disguised, sugar-coated bigotry -- and the disguise and the sugar-coating is much thinner!
Not recommended.
Book Review: Setting the stage for the final novel
Summary: 4 Stars
The 2nd novel in the His Dark Materials trilogy, I found that the first half of the book didn't quite live up to the expectations created by The Golden Compass. Though, the second half of this book tied everything together well and seemed to be more consistent with the overall feel introduced in the first novel. But, as argued by many for most trilogies, and I agree, this is usually the intention to set up the final act. This was clearly Pullman's intention, as it introduces characters and scientific concepts that seem to be necessary to intelligently explain and conclude the story arc. Also, the book finally breaches the controversial threshold that many consider to be its core ant-religious theme. Personally, despite the the fabric of fantasy Pullman has woven, I can understand why many have been concerned for their indoctrinated children's beliefs. Considering the Hollywood requirement to downplay these anti-religious concepts down, I honestly find that it would be quite difficult to translate this story into a film.
Outside of this I really enjoy Pullman's style and have found the worlds created enticing. It didn't leave the impression on me that The Golden Compass did, but it satisfied my interest and built enough momentum to move forward into the final book in the series.
Book Review: children kill in this book-BEWARE
Summary: 1 Stars
DUSTURBING.NOT for children. books two and three are blatant anti-christian works that will truly disturb the age group these books are intended for. as an adult reader, there are also subtle disturbing hints of inappropriate relationships between adults/children in the text. i do not know if a child would pick up on this, but an experienced reader will surely infer these things.
pg 320 shows how pullman describes God--as a feeble angel that the children in this book kill.