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64 pages 2 hours read

The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Philip Pullman

The Book of Dust

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alternate England • Mid-20th century

Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

Lexile Level

HL770L

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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

4.3

127,060 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

127,060 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Malcolm Polstead

An 11-year-old boy who lives near Oxford and helps his parents run a riverside inn. He is curious and hardworking, often assisting nuns at a nearby priory and dreaming of taking adventures in his canoe, La Belle Sauvage.

A 16-year-old girl who works for Malcolm’s parents in the Trout inn, known for her teasing and scornful demeanor. Despite her tough exterior, she is sensitive and becomes integral to the story's events.

An antagonist in the story, once a brilliant scientist, now notorious and shunned, known for his dangerous pursuit of Lyra. His character is marked by a sinister demeanor and a controversial past.

A scholar in Oxford who studies the alethiometer, participates in a secret organization, and advises Malcolm during the story. She plays a pivotal role in guiding him through complex issues.

A six-month-old baby who is the central figure everyone is concerned about, admired for her charm and intelligence. She becomes the focus of a prophecy that drives the narrative.

An elderly nun at Godstow Priory, known for her gentle demeanor and close relationship with Malcolm. She is the primary caretaker of baby Lyra at the priory.

Lyra’s father, a prominent explorer with a complex personal history. He cares deeply for Lyra despite being unable to directly raise her.

Lyra’s mother, a beautiful and influential woman involved with the Magisterium. She is known for her unsettling presence and her connection to several major characters.

A gyptian man connected to various characters who plays a crucial role in relaying information. His involvement with gyptians underscores thematic connections in the story.

A senior member of Oakley Street, a secret organization working against the Magisterium. He holds significant political influence within the group's leadership.

A professor of Byzantine history and a key contact for Dr. Hannah Relf within the Oakley Street organization, contributing to its resistance efforts.

Part of the leadership of Oakley Street, serving as the deputy to Lord Nugent. He is instrumental in coordinating efforts against authoritarian forces in the story.

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alternate England • Mid-20th century

Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

Lexile Level

HL770L

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