The Book of Dust volume one has a title! Philip Pullman’s next adventure into the world of His Dark Materials arrives this fall.
His Dark Materials fans have a glimpse at the first of three new volumes coming from Philip Pullman this October. The Book of Dust volume one will be called La Belle Sauvage. Just as the first three novels refer to items, the latest addition refers to a boat.
The description of is as follows:
11-year-old Malcolm Polstead and his dæmon, Asta, along with his boat La Belle Sauvage. It is revealed that Lyra is being sheltered — from her own father 00 by the nuns at Godstow Priory near Oxford. The excerpt comes from chapter 10, where Malcolm is persuaded to help Lord Asriel secretly see his infant daughter.
In addition to the title, Pullman released a short video interview:
“It’s about dust, of course. But this is my Dust. Dust with a capital ‘D’.”
The -equel, or companion novel, will stand beside His Dark Materials, according to Pullman. The first new novel, La Belle Sauvage takes place 10 years before the events of The Golden Compass.
Read an excerpt from ‘La Belle Sauvage’
Slate has an exclusive excerpt from chapter 10 of the novel in which Malcolm meets Lord Asriel. He entrusts Malcolm to take him over to visit with Lyra, a baby at the time living with the nuns of the Godstow Priory. Read a selection below:
—
“Malcolm? What are you doing?”
Like him, she was whispering. Her voice was frightened and thick with sleep. She hadn’t opened the shutter.
“Sister, I’m sorry, I really am,” he said quickly. “But Lyra’s father’s here, and he’s being pursued by—by his enemies, and he really needs to see Lyra before—before he goes on somewhere else. To—to say goodbye,” he added.
“Oh, that’s nonsense, Malcolm! You know we can’t let him—”
“Sister, please! He’s really in earnest,” Malcolm said, finding that phrase from somewhere.
—
Pullman notes in his interview that while other projects have pulled his attention over the last 22 years, he has spent the last few years reentering his fantasy world with The Book of Dust.
Feel like re-reading the series this summer? You’re not alone! There is a worldwide read-along happening June 6 through July 18. This will coincide with a “Crack the Compass” campaign. For more information check out Philip Pullman’s official Facebook page.
What do you think of ‘La Belle Sauvage’ so far?
Pre-order your copy of The Book of Dust (Volume One): La Belle Sauvage today. It will be released on October 16 in both the UK and the US.
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