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.

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.

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

Philip Pullman

Novel

The Book of Dust

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Book of Dust reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Book of Dust | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Book of Dust Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Book of Dust Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Trout”

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

The Book of Dust Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

The Book of Dust Part 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-15

The Book of Dust Part 1, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Flood”

Part 2, Chapters 16-20

The Book of Dust Part 2, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 21-25 

The Book of Dust Part 2, Chapters 21-25  Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Book of Dust Character Analysis

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Themes

The Book of Dust Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Book of Dust Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Book of Dust Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Book of Dust Essay Topics

The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Book of Dust?

Reading Age

Book Details