NPR's Book of the Day Philip Pullman’s new novel follows ‘The Golden Compass’ heroine into young adulthood
Nov 10, 2025
Bestselling author Philip Pullman, known for his acclaimed His Dark Materials series, discusses his new novel The Rose Field. He delves into Lyra's journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring her maturation and the complex themes of Dust, religion, and faith. Pullman reveals how he prefers to discover the story as he writes rather than plan it out. He also addresses the challenges of crafting a conclusion that meets the high expectations set by his prior work, all while maintaining a critical yet nuanced view of organized religion.
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Dust As A Central Mystery
- Dust functions as a mysterious force tied to religion, perception, and understanding in Pullman's world.
- Pullman wrote to explore Dust further and found Lyra personally bound up with it as the new trilogy progresses.
Don't Plan The Story Start-To-Finish
- Pullman advises writers not to over-plan their stories because planning can kill creative discovery.
- He recommends writing to be surprised and revising after finishing to determine what matters.
Lyra's Troubled Adolescence
- Pullman describes Lyra's adolescence as a natural, troublesome stage where she was a nuisance and pest to adults.
- He drew on his experience teaching that age to portray her leaving innocence behind as she grows up.
