The Golden Compass
Categories: Movies & Books , Children's Books
Last week, New Line Cinema released two breath-taking trailers for the film adaptation of The Golden Compass, the first book in British author Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy.
Pullman creates a reality both like and unlike that which we know. Here, Earth is one of only five planets in the solar system, every human has a daemon (an animal familiar embodiment of their soul) and it takes place in a time similar to our late 19th century.
The overarching plot focuses on Oxford scholars in a race to unleash the power that will enable them to cross the bridge to a parallel universe. The trilogy features all the hallmarks of a great, epic myth. 11 year old Lyra Belacqua, an orphan brought up ignorant of her true identity, leaves her home in Jordan College at Oxford University for the frozen wastelands of the north on a quest to save kidnapped children, among them her friend Roger, and her imprisoned uncle, Lord Asriel, from the evil “Gobblers,” who are using them as part of a sinister experiment.
Deceptions and treacheries threaten at every turn and Lyra is not yet certain how to read the mysterious truth-telling instrument (The Golden Compass) that is her only guide. Along the way, friendly witches, a polar bear, and a Texan balloonist assist her.
Impeccable characterizations, seamless plotting, and crackling pace have kept the trilogy on recommended reading lists since its initial publication in 1995. It leaves readers of all ages eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The film adaptation, scheduled for December release, stars Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman. New Line’s website features a film synopsis, photos, and information on the cast. The trailer looks gorgeous- very atmospheric and in keeping with how I imagined the settings in my readings.
The library offers all three installments in a variety of formats, listed below:
- Book One, The Golden Compass: Book, Audiobook CD, or Audiobook Cassette
- Book Two, The Subtle Knife: Book, Audiobook CD (on order, check back soon), or Audiobook Cassette
- Book Three, The Amber Spyglass: Book, Audiobook CD (on order, check back soon) Audiobook Cassette
