A great and favourite author.

I am a surprised and to be honest a little shocked that I seemed to have written very little about the great and favourite author Philip Pullman. I read ‘Northern Lights‘  shortly after it was first published in 1995, before it became so well -known and popular. Presumably I read a review or heard about it on the radio and I must have borrowed it from the local library in Lees, Oldham. They had a fantastic children’s section which I often dipped into (although my own children were only two and three years old at the time – I borrowed it for me, not them of course!) I was completely gripped by ‘Northern Lights‘ and read it in a few days and then reread it. I bought my own copy and have read it several times over the year.  Needless to say I bought the next two novels in ‘His Dark Materials’ series, and as ever was stunned by his writing (although to be honest i did struggle with the complicated plots slightly!!)

I absolutely loved the writing, Pullman’s mastery was/is extraordinary and I bought the following books in the series. As he became more famous, his writing recognised and highly regarded, there were more programmes and articles about him and he would discuss not only what he had and was writing, but other aspects of his work. He spoke out on more than just his own books and writing, as Wikipedia comments: Pullman has been a vocal campaigner on a number of issues related to books and politics.” 

I immediately pricked up my ears while listening to the BBC Radio 4 programme, The World at One today, when after in-depth reporting on the world’s news including the election of Mark Carney as Prime Minister of Canada, when Philip Pullman’s name was mentioned. He was interviewed about his writing (including the physical act of him writing, changed now from a pen and paper to a computer), what he’s doing at present and the prospect of the fourth and final part of His Dark Materials – ‘The Rose Field’

Here is a link to the interview – it’s only available for 30 days, but I hope his clip will be archived and permanently available. I hope it’s accessible!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002bhwy