La Belle Sauvage: A Deep Dive into Philip Pullman’s Prequel to His Dark Materials

Introduction

La Belle Sauvage, published in 2017, is the first volume of Philip Pullman’s planned trilogy, The Book of Dust. This fantasy novel is set twelve years before the events of Pullman’s acclaimed His Dark Materials trilogy and offers a compelling prequel that expands the rich and complex world Pullman created. Unlike a traditional prequel, La Belle Sauvage is more of a companion volume, providing a fresh perspective on the universe while maintaining the depth and complexity that fans of His Dark Materials have come to expect.

Philip Pullman, known for his meticulous world-building and nuanced exploration of themes, is the sole creative force behind La Belle Sauvage. The book does not draw direct inspiration from authors like C.S. Lewis, Ursula K. Le Guin, or Rick Riordan, but rather continues Pullman’s unique narrative style and philosophical inquiries.

La Belle Sauvage was released to significant anticipation, given the long wait since the conclusion of His Dark Materials. The novel has been praised for its ability to stand alone while seamlessly integrating into the larger narrative of Pullman’s universe.

Plot Summary

The story of La Belle Sauvage revolves around Malcolm Polstead, an 11-year-old boy living with his parents in a riverside inn on the outskirts of Oxford. Malcolm’s life is marked by his curiosity and love for boating on the canals of Oxford, particularly in his canoe, La Belle Sauvage.

The narrative begins with Malcolm’s discovery of a hidden acorn, which leads him to Dr. Hannah Relf, a scholar involved with the secretive organization Oakley Street. This encounter sets Malcolm on a path of growth and discovery, especially when he becomes entangled in the fate of a six-month-old baby named Lyra Belacqua.

As a severe flood hits Oxford, Malcolm and his friend Alice Parslow, who works in the kitchen of the nearby Godstow Priory, embark on a perilous journey to protect Lyra from various threats. One of the primary antagonists is Gerard Bonneville, a former scientist who was imprisoned for his research on the Rusakov field and its implications on consciousness, and for a sexual crime involving Mrs. Coulter. Bonneville seeks to capture Lyra to bargain with the Magisterium, the authoritarian Church that dominates this world, for a new laboratory and research facilities.

Throughout their journey, Malcolm, Alice, and Lyra face numerous challenges, including encounters with a fairy woman named Diania, a river giant, and the oppressive forces of the Magisterium. The trio’s adventures are marked by their resourcefulness, bravery, and the deepening bond between them. Ultimately, they are rescued by Lord Asriel and Lord Nugent, who help them reach Jordan College, where Lyra is placed under the care of the Master, securing her academic sanctuary ^[1][2][4].

Themes and Symbolism

La Belle Sauvage delves into several central themes that are characteristic of Pullman’s work. One of the most prominent themes is the struggle between authoritarian power and personal freedom. The Magisterium, with its rigid control over society, suppresses heresy and limits access to knowledge, creating a climate of fear and surveillance. This theme is exemplified through the Church’s influence on education, where teachers are forced to conform to the Church’s beliefs, and any deviation is met with severe punishment ^[2][3].

The novel also explores the coming-of-age theme, particularly through Malcolm’s journey. As Malcolm navigates the dangers and complexities of the adult world, he transitions from childhood innocence to a more mature understanding of the world. This growth is marked by his increased responsibility, his sexual awakening, and his confrontation with the harsh realities of life ^[2][5].

Symbolism plays a crucial role in the narrative, with the alethiometer being a significant symbol. The alethiometer, a device that can answer questions by pointing to symbols on a dial, represents the pursuit of knowledge and truth in a world where such pursuits are heavily censored. The canoe, La Belle Sauvage, itself is a symbol of Malcolm’s journey out of childhood and into the complexities of adulthood ^[1][2].

The character of Gerard Bonneville serves as a complex symbol of the blurred lines between good and evil. Despite being a scientist who was once driven by a desire for knowledge, Bonneville’s actions become increasingly malevolent, highlighting that neither science nor religion is inherently good or evil; it is the actions of individuals that define their moral standing ^[2][3].

Cultural Impact

La Belle Sauvage has had a significant cultural impact since its release. The book’s timely exploration of intolerance, authoritarianism, and the suppression of knowledge resonates strongly with contemporary issues. The novel’s setting, which bears an eerie resemblance to current societal trends of increasing intolerance, makes it a prescient and timely work ^[3].

The book has been widely discussed in literary circles and has influenced popular culture by reigniting interest in Pullman’s universe. The success of La Belle Sauvage has also paved the way for further adaptations and explorations of the His Dark Materials series, including television and film productions.

Critical Reception

La Belle Sauvage received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised Pullman’s masterful storytelling, the depth of his characters, and the nuanced exploration of complex themes. The novel was noted for its ability to appeal to both new readers and fans of the original trilogy, standing as a testament to Pullman’s skill in crafting compelling narratives that transcend age groups ^[3][4].

However, some critics noted that the novel’s pacing could be slow, particularly in the initial chapters, and that the complexity of the world-building might be overwhelming for new readers. Despite these minor criticisms, La Belle Sauvage was generally hailed as a triumphant return to the world of His Dark Materials.

Legacy

La Belle Sauvage has solidified its place in the literary landscape as a significant work of fantasy. It continues to inspire writers and readers alike with its rich world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. The novel’s exploration of the human condition, the nature of power, and the importance of knowledge and freedom ensures its enduring relevance.

As part of The Book of Dust trilogy, La Belle Sauvage sets the stage for further explorations of Pullman’s universe, promising more intricate narratives and deeper insights into the characters and world that fans have grown to love. The legacy of La Belle Sauvage lies not only in its contribution to the His Dark Materials series but also in its standalone value as a compelling and thought-provoking work of fantasy literature.