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

- The Book of Dust is a companion trilogy to Philip Pullman's acclaimed His Dark Materials series, exploring new facets and deeper histories of the fictional universe.
- Philip Pullman has mentioned that he chose the title The Book of Dust to reflect the importance of Dust, a mysterious particle central to the thematic essence of both series.
- The first volume of the trilogy, La Belle Sauvage, was released 17 years after the conclusion of the original His Dark Materials trilogy, generating significant anticipation among fans.

**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.

**Alice Parslow**  
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.

**Gerard Bonneville**  
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.

**Dr. Hannah Relf**  
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.

**Lyra Belacqua**  
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.

**Sister Fenella**  
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.

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

**Mrs. Coulter**  
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.

**Coram van Texel**  
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.

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

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

**Adnan Al-Kaisy**  
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.

Philip Pullman

Novel

The Book of Dust

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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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

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The Book of Dust Symbols & Motifs

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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

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