64 pages • 2 hours read
The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Alternate England • Mid-20th century
2017
YA
13-18 years
HL770L
Super Short Summary
First published in 2017, La Belle Sauvage is the opening installment of The Book of Dust trilogy by British author Philip Pullman. A prequel to Pullman's acclaimed His Dark Materials trilogy, La Belle Sauvage tells the story of 11-year-old Malcolm Polstead, who rescues baby Lyra Belacqua during a massive flood and begins a treacherous journey in his canoe, La Belle Sauvage, with 15-year-old Alice. The source material includes references to and descriptions of sexual assault.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
127,060 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Philip Pullman's The Book of Dust has been praised for its imaginative world-building and deep themes. Readers appreciate the return to the richly detailed universe of His Dark Materials, though some feel it starts slowly and lacks the original trilogy's intrigue. Overall, it is a compelling read with engaging characters.
Who Should Read The Book of Dust?
A reader who would enjoy The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman is likely captivated by richly imagined fantasy worlds, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia will appreciate the adventure and depth found in Pullman’s works.
127,060 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Novel • Fiction
Alternate England • Mid-20th century
2017
YA
13-18 years
HL770L
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